The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is approaching, and it seems unlikely that a Premier League star will take home the prestigious award this year. Despite being one of the favorites on the 30-man shortlist, Manchester City’s Rodri has reportedly been snubbed, with the leaked results pointing towards Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as the potential winner.
Vinicius Junior had an outstanding season in 2023/24, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions as Real Madrid clinched both La Liga and the Champions League titles. His performance, including a crucial goal in the Champions League final, has solidified his claim for the Ballon d’Or this year.
On the other hand, Rodri put in impressive performances for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team, earning the Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2024. His consistency and leadership qualities were praised by his manager, Pep Guardiola, who acknowledged Rodri’s candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.
Despite the speculation surrounding the potential winner, Rodri remained humble and grateful for being considered among the top players in the world. He expressed his pride in being recognized for his hard work and talent, emphasizing that individual awards are a consequence of dedication and effort.
The official announcement of the Ballon d’Or winner is scheduled for Monday, October 28th in Paris. While the leaked results may have hinted at Vinicius Junior’s victory, football fans around the world eagerly await the confirmation and celebration of the best player in the world for the 2024 season.