Manchester City’s Rodri was named the recipient of the Ballon d’Or at a prestigious event in Paris, surpassing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. Rodri becomes the first midfielder to claim the award since Luka Modric in 2018.
Since that time, Lionel Messi has secured three awards while Karim Benzema has obtained one. Robert Lewandowski was unable to compete for the prize in 2020 due to its absence, yet the Barcelona forward was the favored candidate for the honor.
Rodri becomes the inaugural recipient of the award in the Premier League since 2008, when Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the title as a member of Manchester United. Rodri is presently sidelined with an ACL injury, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the season.
The absence of Rodri has posed challenges for City as they have managed only two clean sheets this season, with just one achieved without the Spaniard in the lineup.
Rodri will now prioritize his recovery while being recognized for his exceptional performances throughout the year. City will face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday in the absence of him.
