“In the end, he deserves it” - Olympics football gold medalist Sergio Gomez picks 2024 Ballon d'Or winner

Spain's 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal-winning captain Sergio Gomez has picked Rodri as the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. The Manchester City man is one of the contenders for the coveted individual award in Paris next month.

Rodri is coming off a spectacular season with club and country. While his City team failed to win historic back-to-back continental trebles, they won an unprecedented Premier League four-peat.

The Cityzens also reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, where their title defence was ended by eventual winners Real Madrid on penalties in the second leg at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola's side ended the season with an FA Cup final loss (2-1) to Manchester United, with Rodri contributing nine goals and 14 assists in 50 games across competitions.

Following his club football exploits, Rodri starred for Spain in their triumphant UEFA Euro 2024 campaign in Germany, with the midfielder scoring once in six games.

Considering his compatriot's sterling exploits for club and country, Gomez has tipped Rodri to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. He said (as per ESPN UK):

"I would like Rodri to win the Ballon d'Or because, well in the end, he deserves it. (He) deserved it two years ago. He couldn't win it because Messi won it, and this year, I hope a City player can win it. "

However, he added that if Rodri or one of the City players don't win, Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior would be a deserving winner.

"But it's true that if one of them (City players) doesn't win it, it will most likely be Vinicius because of the great season he's having and all the good seasons he's been having at Real Madrid."

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on October 28 in Paris.

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How has 2024 Ballon d'Or contender Rodri fared for Manchester City this season?

Manchester City midfielder Rodri

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has made a belated start to the 2024-25 after his deep run with Spain at Euro 2024, where La Roja won a record fourth title, beating England 2-1 in the final in Berlin.

Rodri made his season debut for City in the 2-1 Premier League home win over Brentford earlier this month. Guardiola's side extended their perfect start to the league season with a fourth straight win.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or contender made his second appearance of the season in the goalless home draw with Inter Milan in his team's UEFA Champions League opener in midweek.