The race for this year’s Ballon d’Or appears to be a battle between Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. With the award set to be handed out later this month, many City fans are rallying behind Rodri as the deserving winner.
Rodri has played a crucial role in Manchester City’s dominance over the past few seasons, and his individual brilliance is finally being recognized. However, his recent knee ligament injury has sidelined him, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his return. Despite the setback, supporters hope it won’t affect his chances of clinching the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Meanwhile, Rodri’s City teammate, Ederson, who also shares the international stage with Vinicius Jr for Brazil, has weighed in on the Ballon d’Or debate. Surprisingly, Ederson expressed his support for Vinicius to win the award over Rodri, telling TNT Sports Brazil, “I hope Viní Jr wins the Ballon d’Or. He deserves it for everything he did last season. On the other hand, if Rodri wins, I’ll be happy as well.”
Vinicius had an impressive 2023/24 campaign with Real Madrid, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 appearances, helping his team secure both La Liga and the Champions League. This season, he has continued his strong form with four goals and seven assists in just 12 matches.
For City fans, however, Rodri remains the ideal candidate for the Ballon d’Or. With his impeccable performances as a defensive midfielder, Rodri has been a key figure for both Manchester City and Spain. His ability to control games, protect the defense, and contribute offensively—evidenced by his nine goals and 14 assists last season—makes him a worthy contender for the award.
Rodri’s numbers for City speak for themselves: 260 appearances, 26 goals, 30 assists, and 11 trophies. Even football legend Lothar Matthaus has backed Rodri for the award. Yet, with Vinicius’ stellar season, many believe the Brazilian may edge out Rodri this year, leaving City fans disappointed despite Vinicius’ undeniable talent.
