Manchester City Ballon d'Or winner Rodri Hernandez – “I'm happy to give this to Spain”
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri Hernandez dedicated his 2024 Ballon d'Or trophy to Spain, after beating Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham to the award on Monday night. The 28-year-old is the first non-forward to win the award since Luka Modric in 2018, and only the second since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.
Vinicius was the favorite for the award, but the number of Real Madrid players at the heart of their success split the vote, allowing Rodri's fantastic season with City and their run to Euro 2024 to be individually rewarded. After the award, he explained that he wanted to give this award in Spain.
“I'm very happy for the people who supported me and trusted me. Above all, to give this to Spain, for what it means… Now, I'm still not quite aware (of what I've done), I'll be in few days. Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football.” Rodri said Chain SER.
“The 2026 World Cup? Of course, that is the next goal, although first we will go for the League of Nations and then we will see.”
Rodri Hernandez at Cadena SER. #mcfc #LaRoja #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FOLcEyUrLO
— Football España (@footballespana_) October 29, 2024
Rodri is the first Spanish male player to win the award since Luis Suarez Miramontes won it in 1960, an incredible 64 years ago. Meanwhile in the women's game, Barcelona and La Roja are in four years, after Aitana Bonmati imitated Alexia Putellas by retaining the award.
Spain's golden era was unlucky to coincide with Lionel Messi's rise to the top, but La Roja have their sights set on another World Cup campaign – they will be looking to emulate the 2008-2012 side.
“The World Cup 2026? Of course it is the next goal, although first we go for the League of Nations and then we will see.”
