Rodri has officially become Manchester City’s first-ever player to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or, a monumental achievement capping off a phenomenal 2023/24 season. Yet, in a surprising twist, former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara believes someone else deserved the top prize—Chelsea’s young talent and former City academy graduate, Cole Palmer, who finished in 25th place overall.
O’Hara shared his perspective on talkSPORT, saying, “Rodri is a brilliant player, incredibly important to the team. But he doesn’t win you football matches. He’s a system player, part of Pep’s system, and he plays it the best in the world.”
Rodri’s goal was crucial in Manchester City’s Champions League triumph in 2023, establishing him as a vital presence in Guardiola’s squad. Even so, O’Hara argued that individual awards should go to players who decide games single-handedly. “Individual awards are for players who win football matches, like Vinicius Junior, Harry Kane, or even Cole Palmer,” he added.
This perspective stands out considering Rodri’s game-winning contributions before suffering a significant ACL injury. His consistency and leadership have made him indispensable, and his recent Ballon d’Or win is a testament to his influence on the field.
