After being named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024, Manchester City’s Rodri has made a bold statement calling for a Spanish men’s player to win a Ballon d’Or again. The last time a Spanish player achieved this honor was back in 1960, with the legendary Luis Suárez. Rodri believes that Spanish football as a whole deserves to have a Ballon d’Or winner, emphasizing the need for recognition on an international level.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente echoed Rodri’s sentiments, declaring that Rodri is the best player in the world and should be awarded the Ballon d’Or immediately. With impressive performances throughout Euro 2024, including scoring a goal and maintaining a passing accuracy of 92.84%, Rodri has certainly made a strong case for himself. However, he remains humble and acknowledges that the final decision is ultimately up to others.
Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, a fellow Spanish player, also expressed his desire for a compatriot to win the Ballon d’Or. Despite his own impressive achievements, including winning the Champions League and LaLiga, Carvajal remains focused on the team’s success rather than individual accolades. He believes that Spanish football as a whole is deserving of such prestigious recognition and hopes that one of his fellow countrymen will be chosen for the award.
In addition to the discussion around the Ballon d’Or, Rodri has also praised Spain captain Álvaro Morata for his dedication and professionalism. Despite facing criticism from the media and fans, Morata has continued to give his all for the national team. Rodri acknowledges Morata’s resilience and hopes that he will continue to represent Spain in the future, highlighting his leadership both on and off the field.
The call for a Spanish Ballon d’Or winner is not just about individual players seeking recognition, but also about honoring the collective achievements of Spanish football. Players like Rodri, Carvajal, and Morata exemplify the talent and dedication present in the Spanish national team. Whether or not a Spanish player will win the Ballon d’Or remains to be seen, but the passion and commitment of these athletes serve as a testament to the strength of Spanish football on the global stage.