Rodri reacted emotionally to being recognized as the best footballer in the world in 2024.
Spanish midfielder of “Manchester City” Rodri touchingly commented on his winning the “Golden Ball-2024”.
The 28-year-old Spaniard couldn't hold back his tears after the results were announced and, from the stage of the Chatelet Theatre in Paris, where the ceremony took place on October 28, he thanked everyone for recognizing him as the best footballer in the world.
“An incredible night for me. I have many people to thank, France Football and UEFA, everyone who voted for me. I know this is a special day for me, my family and my country, I wanted to say thank you to my girlfriend, with whom I have been together for eight years now. Thank you to my mother for all the values she gave me. Thank you to Pablo, my agent. Who would have thought that we would be here?
Thanks to my friends for their support. And I can't forget my teammates at Manchester City. Without them I wouldn't have won this award. I'm at the best club in the world. And thanks to the Spanish national team. This is a victory for Spanish football for many players who haven't won the Ballon d'Or, like Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas.
When I was 17, I packed my bags to go to Villarreal and play in the First Division. I remember one day I said “enough” and called my dad crying. I had put my whole life into this and my dream was fading and he told me: “A normal boy with values, who doesn't follow stereotypes, can become the best player in the world.”
I realized that if I wanted to improve, I had to change my style. Attacking allowed me to improve my game. I like my profession and I try to improve. I'm going to celebrate with those who have been with me through the tough times,” Rodri said.
RODRI IS THE 2024 MEN'S BALLON D'OR!
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
First words from our 2024 Ballon d'Or, Rodri! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/HbcPorxTlp
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
Last season, Rodri became the champion of England with Manchester City, and won Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team. He was recognized as the best player of the continental championship.
In the fight for the Golden Ball, the Spaniard beat out three other finalists in the nomination in the voting: Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior, English midfielder Jude Bellingham and Spanish defender Dani Carvajal, who play for Real Madrid.
By the way, Real Madrid boycotted the Golden Ball award ceremony after learning that Vinicius Junior would not receive the main prize. Not a single representative of the Madrid club arrived at the ceremony in Paris.
Rodri won the Golden Ball for the first time in his career. The record holder for the number of Golden Balls won remains Inter Miami and Argentina national team forward Lionel Messi, who has received this prize eight times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023).
The closest pursuer of the Argentine is Al-Nassr and Portugal national team forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who was recognized as the best footballer in the world five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017).
Earlier it was reported that the winners of the 2024 Golden Ball football award in all nominations have been determined.