Spanish midfielder becomes first City player to receive award
Rodri was named as the Ballon d'Or winner last night at a ceremony in Paris. The 28-year-old midfielder saw off competition from Vincius Jr and jude Bellingham to win the prestigous award for the first time.
It's the first time that a City player has received the accolade, and only the third time that an English-based player has won the award.
“Winning the Ballon d’Or is the realisation of a dream and a genuine honour for me,” Rodri said.
“I have given so much to football, and to be rewarded this evening with the most revered individual prize in the game is something incredibly special for me and my family.
“However, individual prizes are so often the result of strong team performances, and I am eternally grateful to everyone at Manchester City.
“My teammates are the best – I could not ask for more from them, both personally and professionally – and the support I receive from across every department at the football club means I am given the opportunity to focus on my football and preform at my very best.
“I am very fortunate to be able call myself a Manchester City player.
“I also want to thank my family for their constant love and support. My career would not have been possible without them.
“I am humbled, honoured and very proud tonight. My focus now is returning to full fitness and pulling on a City shirt again.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: “Everyone at Manchester City will quite rightly feel very proud tonight.
“Rodri is our first-ever winner of this award, and he totally deserves that honour. He is a player completely without ego, whose performance level over a very long period of time has been exceptional.
“The consistency he has shown is the result of hard work and dedication. He is a perfect professional, a person who approaches every single training session with the right attitude.
“He wants to be the best and he is prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to make that a reality.
“The club is also proud to have had so many other players shortlisted for this award. Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Ruben Dias were deservedly recognised for their contribution to our success.
“To have so many players in contention for this prize is further evidence we are living through an incredible period in Manchester City’s history.”