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Rodri, Star of Manchester City, Betway’s Global Partner, Claims the Ballon d’Or!

The star of Manchester City, the English champions and global partner of “Betway”, as well as the maestro of Spain’s midfield, is the best player!

It’s Spain’s Rodri, who claimed the Ballon d’Or award presented by the French magazine France Football, a well-deserved recognition following his successful season with Manchester City in the English Premier League and Spain in the 2024 European Championship. The award ceremony, held in Paris, was notably marked by Real Madrid’s boycott, reportedly in protest after their forward Vinicius Junior did not win. The award, is given to the player who receives the most votes from a panel of journalists from FIFA’s top 100 countries.

Rodri surpassed Real Madrid’s trio—Vinicius Junior from Brazil, England’s Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal—becoming only the third Spanish player to secure the Ballon d’Or after Alfredo Di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez in 1960.

The decision to award the Ballon d’Or to the midfielder came as something of a surprise; Vinicius Junior, who helped Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League, was a top contender. Despite efforts by the organizers to keep the winner a secret, rumors of the decision seemed to have reached Real Madrid, prompting the club’s decision to skip the ceremony.

Rodri, who ascended the stage on crutches following ACL surgery that will sideline him for the season, expressed his joy, saying, “It’s a special day for me, my family, and my country.” He added, “I strive every day to improve my game.”

He continued, “I see this award not just as my own victory but as recognition for other great Spanish players like Iniesta and Xavi (who didn’t win it). It’s a win for Spanish football and for the symbolic role of the midfield.”

At 28, Rodri played a pivotal role in securing Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title last season as well as being named the Best Player of Euro 2024, where he greatly contributed to Spain’s third title in the competition’s history. His value to his teams is evident: Manchester City, now leading the Premier League, have suffered only four league defeats in his absence, while they remain undefeated in his last 52 appearances since February 2023.

Rodri’s influence was lauded by his coach, Pep Guardiola, who recently remarked, “In his position, he’s the best. He can do it all: quality, game reading, mentality, always ready.”

He continued, “He has presence, physical strength, he’s a complete player”, calling him “irreplaceable” for the team.

Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, who led the team to Euro 2024 victory with Rodri as a central figure, said, “Rodri is like a perfect computer. He manages everything brilliantly, at every moment. He’s vital to the team.”

Among other major awards given at the ceremony, Barcelona and Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal won the Best Young Player award (the Raymond Kopa Trophy), Real Madrid was awarded Best Club, England’s Harry Kane claimed Europe’s Top Scorer award, and Spain and Barcelona’s player Aitana Bonmati received the Best Female Player award.

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