OFFICIAL: Manchester City’s Rodrigo Hernández Wins The Ballon d’Or 2024

Spain and Manchester City midfielder, Rodri, won the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world on Monday, beating Brazil’s Vinicius Jr. and England’s Jude Bellingham, both of Real Madrid, to the prestigious prize.

Rodri, a first-time winner, played a crucial role in leading his team to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League titleunprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title last season.

He was also named best player at this year’s European Championship after Spain lifted a record-extending fourth title.

He scored eight goals and provided nine assists in the Premier League, while also adding one goal and three assists in the Champions League.

The Madrid native is the first defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or since Lothar Matthaus in 1990 and the third Spaniard to claim the prize after Alfredo Di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez (1960).