"Many of my friends have written to me to say, 'Football has won today'" - Rodri makes claim after winning 2024 Ballon d'Or

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has shared his friends' reactions to his Ballon d'Or 2024 win. He was adjudged the winner ahead of Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior on Monday (October 28) at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

Rodri was among the favorites for the coveted prize after a stunning 2023-24 season with club and country. The Spaniard was a vital cog in Pep Guardiola's side that retained the Premier League title for the fourth season on the trot.

Rodri ended the campaign with nine goals and 14 assists from 50 games across competitions. Over the summer, the player led his nation to the Euro 2024 title, starting every game except the third group-stage tie against Albania.

Speaking after winning the award, the Spaniard revealed how his friends reacted.

"Many of my friends have written to me to say, 'Football has won today!'" Rodri said (via City Xtra on X).

Vinicius Junior was heavily tipped to win the Ballon d'Or this year after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League, LaLiga, and the Supercopa de Espana last season. The Brazilian registered 24 goals and 11 assists from 39 games across competitions last campaign.

However, his failure to make a mark in Copa America might have cost him the coveted prize. Jude Bellingham finished third, securing his first podium finish. None of the Los Blancos entourage showed up to protest Vinicius missing out on the award.

Real Madrid were adjudged as the Men's Team of the Year, while Carlo Ancelotti was honored with the Coach of the Year Award. Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d'Or Feminin.

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Is Rodri the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d'Or?

Rodri has been outstanding for Manchester City in recent times

Rodri is the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d'Or and the first footballer from the Premier League to get the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

Players from four English clubs — Manchester United, Liverpool, Blackpool, and now City — have won the coveted prize to date. Four players from the Red Devils have won the award.

Rodri is also the second men's player born in Spain to claim the Ballon d'Or after Barcelona legend Luis Suarez who won it in 1960. The legendary Alfredo di Stefano won football's most prestigious award twice, in 1957 and 1959, but was born in Argentina.

Rodri is currently nursing an ACL injury that he picked up against Arsenal last month and is unlikely to return to action this season.