‘I couldn’t believe it’ – Manchester City’s Rodri surprised after being named Ballon d’Or winner | OneFootball

In an interview with France Football, Manchester City midfielder Rodri (28) revealed his surprise and emotion following his recent Ballon d’Or win. The Spanish international was named the winner of football’s most prestigious individual award on the 28th of October.

Vinicius Jr was the other leading candidate to win the award, and in the eyes of many, the Real Madrid attacker was the favourite. However, the former Atlético de Madrid midfielder would be named the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or with a minor margin of just 41 points in the voting.

The 2023/24 season was a stellar year for Rodri. As well as winning another Premier League title with Manchester City, the 28-year-old was an integral part of the Spain team who were the winners of EURO 2024. The midfielder was ever-present for both club and country but was still surprised when he was named the winner of the award.

George Weah, the winner of the 1995 Ballon d’Or, had the responsibility of announcing the winner. Rodri revealed his emotions when the Liberian said his name, “A lot of things were jostling around in my head. Compared to last year, this time I probably had a real chance, and I was hoping to hear my name called. Plus, it was special because it was the moment when part of the audience was shouting another name (Vinicius Jr.)”

The Spaniard added, “When I heard George Weah say my name, I held my face in my hands, I couldn’t believe it. I looked at my family, my friends, my partners, and then I tried as best I could to get back on stage with my crutches.”

GFFN | Liam Wraith