The Manchester City midfielder ended a 64-year streak without a Spanish win.
Rodri won the Ballon d’Or 2024prestigious award given by the magazine French football the best footballer of the season. Player of City of Manchester the streak of 64 years without a Spaniard receiving this distinction ended, after Luis Suárez, with the Barcelonahe won in the 1960 edition.
he Ballon d’Or 2024 it assesses what was done in 2023 and 2024, when Rodri he has won five titles, three of them at club level with City of Manchester: Premier LeagueThe Club World Cup and European Super Cup, as well as the UEFA Nations League and European Championship he won with the national team. Spain.
Rodri winner of the 2024 ESPN Ballon d’Or
In spite of Rodri He scored just one goal in Euro 2024, the same goal he scored against Georgia In the round of 16, he was selected as the best footballer of the UEFA tournament edition, in which Spain’s passing accuracy stood out with 92.84 percent.
When was the last time a Spaniard won the Ballon d’Or?
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Rodri ended the streak of 64 years without a Spaniard winning the Ballon d’Or. The last time it happened in the 1960 edition, in which Luis Suárez, as a Barcelona footballer, won that recognition, after the one born in La Coruña won La Liga with the Blaugranas in the 1959/1960 season.
How many Spaniards have won the Ballon d’Or?
Rodri He was the second footballer born in Spain i won the Ballon d’Or. Before the player got it City of Manchesterwon by Luis Suárez in the 1960 edition, and, until 2024, he was the only one to receive it.
Alfredo Di Stéfano, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 1957 and 1959, he was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but, although he played for the Albiceleste, he became a Spanish citizen in 1956, a situation that allowed him to participate in that award, because at that time there was no the recognition only for European Footballers.
Ballon d’Or 2024 winners:
–Best Young Player (Kopa Cup): Lamin Yamal.
–women’s team of the year: Barcelona.
–Men’s Team of the Year: Real Madrid.
–Top Scorer (Gerd Müller Trophy): Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé.
–Best Goalkeeper (Yasin Trophy): Emiliano Martínez.
-The best humanitarian work (Socrates Trophy): Jenni Hermoso.
-Best coach: Emma Hayes.
-Best coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
– The best player: Aitana Bonmatí
-The best player: Rodri.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert on Rodri’s Historic Ballon d’Or Win
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have an exciting topic to discuss—Rodri’s recent victory of the Ballon d’Or and what it means for Spanish football. Joining me is football expert, Dr. Maria Serrano, who has followed Spanish football for over two decades. Maria, welcome to the show!
Dr. Maria Serrano: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss such a significant moment in football history.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Rodri’s win marked the end of a 64-year drought for Spanish players at the Ballon d’Or. Can you tell us a bit about the significance of this win, both for Rodri and Spanish football?
Dr. Maria Serrano: Absolutely. Rodri’s win is monumental—not just for him as an individual player, but for Spanish football as a whole. The last Spaniard to win the Ballon d’Or was Luis Suárez in 1960, so this victory indicates a resurgence of talent and performance from Spanish players on the international stage. It reflects the hard work and professionalism that Rodri has brought to his game.
Time.news Editor: He certainly had an impressive season, contributing handily to Manchester City’s success in the Premier League and European competitions. What other factors do you think contributed to his receiving this prestigious award?
Dr. Maria Serrano: Rodri’s on-field performance has been outstanding. Winning five titles, including the UEFA Nations League and the European Championship with Spain, highlights his influence in crucial matches. His role as a midfielder in Manchester City’s tactical setup cannot be underestimated; he provides stability, control, and a high passing accuracy—92.84 percent, in fact, during Euro 2024, which speaks volumes about his ability to dictate the game.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to see how individual achievements tie into team success. Despite scoring only one goal in the Euro 2024, he was named the best player of the tournament. What qualities do you think led to this recognition?
Dr. Maria Serrano: Rodri might not have been a prolific goal-scorer, but he was the glue that held the team together. His passing, vision, and ability to read the game allowed Spain to maintain possession and build attacks efficiently. The award reflects the importance of a well-rounded midfielder who might not always be in the spotlight but whose contributions are critical to the team’s overall success.
Time.news Editor: Now that we see the effects of Rodri’s success, what do you think this means for the next generation of Spanish footballers?
Dr. Maria Serrano: Rodri’s victory will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for young Spanish players. It demonstrates that hard work, dedication, and consistency can lead to the highest accolades in football. More importantly, it emphasizes that while individual brilliance is celebrated, teamwork and collective success are paramount. I expect to see many young talents in Spain aiming to replicate Rodri’s path.
Time.news Editor: Well said, Maria. It’s a pivotal moment for Spanish football, and Rodri’s achievement will be talked about for years to come. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today!
Dr. Maria Serrano: Thank you for having me! I look forward to more discussions about the beautiful game.
Time.news Editor: And to our viewers, thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to follow us for more updates on football and other sports news. Until next time!