After an incredible season at Manchester City, where he was a key member of Pep Guardiola’s team, Spain international Rodri Hernandez earned his first Ballon d’Or in Paris on Monday. In addition to his remarkable exploits at the Etihad Stadium, he played a significant role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Although many have challenged the notion of a defensive midfielder winning the Ballon d’Or, Rodri Hernandez has been one of the most significant and influential players in football over the previous year.
But with his performances for Manchester City and Spain at Euro 2024 in Germany, the 28-year-old has shown his value. Renowned coach Pep Guardiola has had to alter his plans multiple times as a result of his absence. Without a question, he is a unique player on the pitch.
Since he helped the Sky Blues win a treble of FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League titles in the 2022–2023 season, the Spaniard may not be among the favourites to win the ultimate individual trophy in 2024. However, like his accomplishments in the previous campaign, his brilliance goes completely unnoticed.
In addition to winning the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish international played a key role in Manchester City’s historic fourth straight Premier League trophy victory. Additionally, he helped his team advance to the FA Cup final, when they were defeated by bitter rivals Manchester United.
However, winning the Euro 2024 championship with Spain in Germany was his biggest accomplishment from the previous season. Alongside other outstanding players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, the former Atletico Madrid player played a pivotal role in coach Luis de la Fuente’s game strategy. In addition, UEFA voted him the tournament’s finest player.
Last season, Rodri contributed 26 goals (12 goals and 14 assists), which may not seem like much for a key player on both the club and national teams, but his maturity and intelligence on the game are what make the side he plays for nearly unbeatable.
Despite being on crutches for Monday’s presentation due to a chronic injury, the player’s humility and diligence are evident in his new, scented Ballon d’Or prize. Since former Inter Milan footballer Luis Suarez Miramontes took home this award in 1960, Rodri is the only Spaniard to do so.
