Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his pride in midfielder Rodri’s historic Ballon d’Or victory, highlighting the long-overdue recognition for Spanish football. Rodri secured the prestigious award in Paris on Monday, edging out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. He becomes the first Spaniard to win the Ballon d’Or since 1960, a significant milestone for the nation.
Guardiola noted that Rodri played a crucial role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, marking the country’s first title win since 2012. Reflecting on the past, he remarked that legendary players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta had been overlooked for the Ballon d’Or due to the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“And Messi, nobody could beat him. Just Cristiano. Cristiano was a monster, and Messi created the monster,” Guardiola stated. “Both have accomplished something incredible over the last 15 or 20 years. Perhaps during that time, Xavi and Iniesta also deserved the Ballon d’Or. I believe Rodri finally received the recognition that Spanish football has long deserved.”
Guardiola, who earned nearly 50 caps for Spain during his playing career, emphasized the collective achievements of Spanish football over the past decade. “Spanish football has made an incredible impact, with various national trainers and exceptional players. Despite winning the World Cup and the Euros, no player had secured this award until now,” he added.
Before leading Spain to victory in the European Championships, Rodri was instrumental in Manchester City’s record fourth consecutive Premier League title. Guardiola underscored that Rodri’s win not only signifies success for City but also represents the influence of Spanish football on the global stage. “Rodri exemplifies both City and Spanish football, which has had a monumental impact over the past 10 to 15 years. Their style of play, their generation of managers and players has been crucial,” he noted.
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the Ballon d’Or awards since 2008, with Messi winning the title five times, the most recent being in 2023. Ronaldo has also claimed the award five times. Before their era, the highest number of wins was three, held by football legends Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco Van Basten. The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo defined the awards from 2008 to 2017, with Luka Modric breaking their streak in 2018. Messi has since added three more titles to his accolades in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Leave a Reply