Manchester City midfielder Rodri has just made history by winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, a feat no Premier League player has achieved in the past 16 years. This win highlights his incredible performance during the 2023-24 season, where he played a key role in both Manchester City’s success and Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.

Despite a significant ACL injury he sustained in September against Arsenal, Rodri’s impact on the field was immense. His achievements included helping Manchester City claim a fourth consecutive Premier League title and winning the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain. Rodri’s outstanding play even earned him the Best Player award for Euro 2024, although he had to leave the final game at half-time due to his injury.

At the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Rodri was brought onto the stage with the help of crutches, a reminder of his current injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season. Nonetheless, this award is a recognition of his hard work and dedication.

One of Rodri’s most impressive records is his unbeaten streak of 74 games (lasting 475 days) for both club and country, a run that ended only in the FA Cup final against Manchester United last May. His last Premier League loss happened back in February 2023 against Tottenham.

Rodri’s win is historic for multiple reasons. He is the first defensive midfielder to secure the Ballon d’Or since the award’s creation in 1956 and the first Spanish player to win it since Luis Suarez in 1960. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr was another strong candidate but missed out on his first Ballon d’Or win.

On the women’s side, Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati claimed the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the second year in a row. Her impressive performance in La Liga F and the UEFA Women’s Champions League solidified her as a top player in women’s football.