'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester City midfielder Rodri addressed his chances of winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. The Spanish holding midfielder is an integral part of Pep Guardiola's team and also played a pivotal role in helping his nation to EURO 2024 success this summer.
The 28-year-old made the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award but believes the prize and fans favor goal scorers and creators over players in his position on the pitch.
Speaking with former City star, Joe Hart on the BBC Sport YouTube Channel, the Spaniard explained his view of the Ballon d'Or situation, saying:
“The role [I play] is more defensive than offensive. What the fans love about football is scoring goals and assists. I think because of this, the decision [when it comes to picking a Ballon d’Or winner] always revolves around strikers and wingers."
He also hoped his country would see another winner of the prestigious award soon, saying:
“Spain have a lot of good players and we’ve also played some of the best football in some periods. We just have one Spanish Ballon d’Or winner in history, Luis Suarez in the very beginning. Spain deserve a recognition, and I’m not saying it should be me. Let’s see, it’s something that I cannot control."
The Euro 2024 winner concluded, saying:
"Everything that will come will be accepted. For me, just being in that conversation is already a compliment and a dream. In the last two years, I’ve been very important in my role in the team. It is something that will definitely make me proud."
Rodri is currently on International duty with Spain for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games.
Alan Shearer tips Rodri to claim Ballon d'Or
Former English striker turned pundit, Alan Shearer believes Manchester City midfielder Rodri is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or this year, The Spaniard was fantastic for club and country and helped his nation to a record fourth Euros win this summer.
Writing in his column for Betfair, the former Newcastle United striker opined:
"For this year, there's only one winner for me and it's Rodri for what he's done and what he's achieved in the last year. I know Real Madrid are a huge football club, are huge in the world of football, and Vinicius Junior and Bellingham are rightfully in the mix this year, but I think with what Rodri's done for Man City and Spain, I'd be amazed if he didn't win the Ballon d'Or."
Rodri will face stiff competition from Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian helped Los Blancos to the league and European double last season, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games.
