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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has shared his thoughts about the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner after helping Spain win Euro 2024 in Berlin on Sunday (July 14). La Roja beat England 2-1 to win a record fourth European Championship.
In a cagey start to the game, the two teams headed to the break on level terms before Nico Williams broke the deadlock two minutes into the second period, finishing a brilliant ball from the excellent Lamine Yamal.
La Roja would have rued squandering multiple opportunities to put the game to bed as substitute Cole Palmer produced a fine equaliser 17 minutes from time. However, with extra time looming, Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner in the 86th minute as Gareth Southgate's side's 58-year international title drought continues.
Following the game, Rodri said that a Spanish player deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or (as per ESPN):
"Spanish football deserves a Ballon d'Or winner. Spain deserve to win a Ballon d'Or."
Interestingly, La Roja boss Luis de la Fuente said that Rodri himself is a strong contender for the coveted prize, having won the Premier League with City last season:
"For me Rodri is the best player in the world, please give him the Ballon d'Or now."
Rodri responded to the claim, noting his compatriot Dani Carvajal's Ballon d'Or credentials:
"I'm going to be honest, I would like for a Spaniard to win it, I don't care who. It would be great.
"I've heard that (Dani) Carvajal also deserves it. From an individual standpoint, I'm very proud of what I am doing and the recognition I'm getting. But someone else has to make that assessment. I came here to win Euro 2024."
The City man featured six times for Spain at Euro 2024, scoring once and registering a pass accuracy of 92.84%.
What does Rodri's Spain teammate Dani Carvajal think about winning the Ballon d'Or after winning Euro 2024?
Echoing his compatriot Rodri's thoughts, Euro 2024 winner Dani Carvajal also said that a Spaniard deserves to be the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. He acknowledged that he's also a contender but that he hasn't thought about winning it.
Carvajal, 32, is coming off a solid season with Los Blancos, contributing six goals and five assists in 41 games across competitions, winning three titles, including a La Liga and UEFA Champions League double.
As per GOAL, the Spain defender shared his thoughts on this year's Ballon d'Or winner:
"I hope a Spaniard gets it. I think Spanish football deserves it. I would love for that to happen. I think I could be among the candidates not just for the titles that I've won this year but for my performances. But it (winning the award) doesn't cross my mind."
Carvajal played every minute of Spain's victorious Euro 2024 campaign except for the 1-0 group-stage win over Albania, which he sat out.
