Rodri has joined an elite group of Spaniards who’ve left an indelible mark on the Premier League, standing alongside legends like David Silva and Cesc Fabregas. However, his recent Ballon d’Or win sets him apart, securing his place not just as a Premier League icon but as one of Spain’s all-time greats.
At Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola has established record after record, becoming the first Premier League manager to win four consecutive league titles and achieving the unprecedented 100-point season. The influence of Spanish players like Silva has contributed massively to this success, and now, with Rodri’s Ballon d’Or, a new chapter in City’s history unfolds.
Andres Iniesta, who never captured a Ballon d’Or himself, was quick to celebrate Rodri’s victory. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, another former City figure, shared his admiration for Rodri, calling his consistency “extraordinary.” Speaking to TNT Sports, Arteta said, “It was great, so proud of it. For many years, we’ve had Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas – players who probably deserved to win. And this year, it was Rodri. Now, I want the Arsenal players to win the Ballon d’Or!”
Mikel Arteta points to Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo absence leading to Rodri Ballon d’Or
Arteta also acknowledged how the landscape of the Ballon d’Or race has shifted with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo moving outside Europe’s top leagues, making way for new stars like Rodri. “When you talk about the Ballon d’Or in the last 19 years, you think of Messi and Ronaldo. With them now competing differently, the door has opened for someone else.”
For Guardiola, Rodri’s achievement is deeply meaningful for City. Expressing his pride, Guardiola congratulated Rodri, saying, “What can I say? First, of course, congratulations to him, his family, and friends. This is incredible news for him, for all of us at Manchester City, for our fans. We are so proud of him.”
He continued, “This is the first time a Manchester City player has won the Ballon d’Or. Years ago, we couldn’t have imagined one of our players receiving such a prestigious award. We are delighted to share this moment with him.”
Rodri’s success story speaks to the impact of his consistency and drive since he joined Manchester City. As Arteta highlighted, “The level that he’s played at for the last five, six years has been extraordinary.”
