"I'm very fortunate to be able to call myself a Man City player" Rodri reacts to winning 2024 Ballon d'Or

Manchester City's Rodri has been awarded with the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, becoming the first sky blue player to claim the prestigious footballing award.

Man City and Spain midfielder Rodri is the 2024 Ballon d'Or champion, beating Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, who finished third, and Vinicius Jr, who came second, to the acclaimed title.

While achieving a huge individual achievement, Rodri also creates history for Manchester City as he becomes their first player to win the award.

Rodri was a vital element in Man City's historic four-in-a-row Premier League triumphant and also, was player of the tournament in the latest edition of the Euros, where his country Spain found success and became champions of Europe.

Since joining the Cityzens in 2019, Rodri has become a crucial name within the City squad and has also proven to be a necessity for them. However, sadly for the 24/25 season, we won't be seeing participation from the Ballon d'Or winner, after he was confirmed to miss the whole campaign due to an injury picked up during City's game against Arsenal a few weeks ago.

Let's take a look into Rodri's list of achievements that lead him to win the Ballon d'Or.

(More statistics shared by iszzyiniho1 on X)

63 games

12 goals

14 assists

100 key passes

352 duels won

93% pass accuracy

One game lost

Premier League

Euros

Uefa super cup

FIFA world cup

Rodri's reaction to his Ballon d'Or victory.

"Winning the Ballon d'Or is the realisation of a dream and a genuine honour for me. I have given so much to football, and to be rewarded this evening (Monday) with the most revered individual prize in the game is something incredibly special for me."

"However, individual prizes are so often the result of strong team performances, and I am eternally grateful to everyone at Manchester City."

"My teammates are the best - I could not ask for more from them, both personally and professionally - and the support I receive from across every department at the football club means I am given the opportunity to focus on my football and perform my very best. I am very fortunate to be able to call myself a Manchester City player."

"I am humbled, honoured and very proud tonight. My focus now is returning to full fitness and pulling on a City shirt again."