(foto: Getty Images)
In October, we will find out the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or
Until the European Championship, many saw Jude Bellingham as one of the main favorites for the prestigious award, having won the Spanish championship and the Champions League with Real Madrid. However, the cards have been reshuffled after Spain's victory in the European Championship in Germany.
Now, the main favorite for the prestigious award is likely Spanish midfielder Rodri, who was also named the MVP of the tournament yesterday! The 28-year-old received yet another prestigious recognition, having already been named the MVP of the Champions League final and the best player of the Nations League final.
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente highlighted Rodri after winning the European title: "Please, give Rodri the Ballon d'Or."
Rodri himself believes that Spain deserves the Ballon d'Or: "I always say that someone from Spain deserves the Ballon d'Or. As for me, I look at everything collectively and try to give my best. I appreciate all the praise and recognition, but individual awards are not my concern."
Only two Spanish footballers have won the Ballon d'Or, and that was more than six decades ago. Alfredo Di Stefano won the Ballon d'Or in 1957 and 1959, while Luis Suarez won it in 1960!
In the last decade and a half, Xavi, Iniesta, and Torres came closest to winning, but they had the misfortune of playing in the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rodri: Spain's midfield maestro named best player of Euro 2024