By John Ogunsemore
Manchester City midfielder, Rodri says he already feels like a winner of the Ballon d’Or going by public support he has received since being shortlisted for the prestigious award.
Rodri was integral to Manchester City’s fourth straight league title triumph last season and also helped Spain claim Euro 2024.
However, he faces stiff competition from Real Madrid duo Vinicius and Jude Bellingham for the Ballon d’Or.
“People say I’m going to fight with Vinicius, who is someone I admire. I think he is a great player,” Rodri told ESPN.
“Just being in the conversation makes me very proud of the work I’ve put in. It will depend a little bit on what people value [when they vote], what they believe, and honestly, there are a lot of players who deserve to win it, so we will see what the decision is.
“But imagine for me, to be in the conversation that the people when I walk into the street, they say to me, ‘you’re going to win the Ballon d’Or, you deserve it’. And for me, that means I am already a winner with this. The people that believe that I can be the best player in the world and telling me these kind of things, for me is incredible. I never dream about this.
“But once you are in this situation, this position, because a lot of years of work, a lot of trust on yourself and the help of all the people, you think about this award and being there is just unbelievable.”
