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2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri backed Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to win the prestigious award in the future. The Spaniard won his first golden ball on October 28 in Paris.
Yamal received his first Ballon d'Or nomination this year, standing eighth in the rankings. He also notably won the Kopa Trophy tonight.
The Barcelona youngster recorded seven goals and nine assists in 50 outings for the Catalan side despite not winning silverware with the club last season. He was also key to Spain's triumph in the 2024 Euros, scoring an important goal in their 2-1 win over France in the semifinal.
Shortly after winning the golden ball, Rodri named Yamal as one of the players who could win the award in the future. He said during his victory speech:
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"Lamine Yamal will win this trophy very soon, I’m convinced of it. Keep it up, keep working, you’ll get there."
Mentioning Yamal once again, Rodri added:
"There was a player who told me I’ll win the Ballon D’Or tonight..and it was you Lamine."
Yamal and Rodri have shared the pitch 12 times for Spain, recording one joint-goal contribution. The duo together notably won the 2024 Euros with La Roja. Rodri was named Player of the Tournament while Yamal was the best Young Player of the Tournament.
Rodri also won the Premier League and UEFA Super Cup with Manchester City, recording nine goals and 14 assists in 50 outings for the English side.
"Today is not a victory for me alone" - Rodri names Barcelona legends in his 2024 Ballon d'Or speech
In his speech after winning the Ballon d'Or, Manchester City star Rodri mentioned three Barcelona legends, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. Their midfield trio is often considered one of the best midfield trios in football and benefitted both Barca and Spain. The Spaniard also mentioned legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Rodri said during his victory speech:
"Today is not a victory for me alone, but a victory for Spanish football. This is for many players who did not get this award despite deserving it, such as Iniesta, Xavi, Iker, and Busi."
Xavi has ranked third in the Ballon d'Or rankings thrice in his career in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In each occasion, his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi emerged victorious. Iniesta notably came second in the rankings in 2010. Meanwhile, Casillas has been nominated for the award eight times in his career.
It is worth noting that Rodri is the first Spanish player to with the coveted award since Luis Suarez in 1960. He is also the first Manchester City player to win the golden ball. His win marks the first time a Premier League player won the Ballon d'Or since Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) in 2008.
