“More than deserved” - Barcelona hero who missed out on winning Ballon d’Or sends message to 2024 winner Rodri

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, who never won the Ballon d'Or himself during his storied career, has sent heartwarming wishes to Rodri, who won the 2023-24 award on Monday, October 28. Both are Spanish midfielders of repute, and Iniesta wrote a message of congratulations for Rodri on social media.

Taking to his X account, the former Barcelona and Spain maestro mentioned that Rodri more than deserved this accolade. The Manchester City midfielder has been ruled out with an ACL injury this season. However, he looked dapper in a black tuxedo when he went on the stage to collect the award.

"Más que merecido. Muchas felicidades, Rodri," Iniesta wrote on X. (More than deserved. Congratulations Rodri)

Rodri was a critical cog in the wheel for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in 2023-24. He played a vital part in them winning their fourth consecutive Premier League, scoring eight goals. The 28-year-old was also a part of the 2024 Euro-winning Spanish team, where he was adjudged the Player of the Tournament.

Iniesta, on the other hand, won nine La Liga titles and four Champions League titles with Barcelona. He was also a part of the golden generation that won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup for Spain.

Barcelona players have dominated Ballon d'Or in the recent past

Although Rodri bagged Manchester City's first Ballon d'Or this year, a lot of players from Barcelona have won it in the past. Lionel Messi is the most decorated footballer to have won the award on eight occasions, six of which came when he was wearing Barcelona colors. Several others such as Ronaldinho and Rivaldo have also won.

Ronaldinho won the award in 2005 after leading the Catalans to the La Liga title win. Rivaldo, on the other hand, won it in 1999 after playing a crucial role for Louis van Gaal's La Liga-winning side. In fact, Rivaldo led Barcelona to two consecutive La Liga titles in 1997-98 and 1998-99.

Hristo Stoichkov, one of the best strikers in the 1990s, also won the Ballon d'Or as a Barcelona player in 1994. He became famous for being part of the 'dream team' led by manager and former Dutch star Johan Cruyff. Stoichkov was also part of the Barcelona side that won its first Champions League in 1991-92.

Iniesta, meanwhile, finished runner-up to Messi in 2010 and was third in 2012.