Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, popularly known as Rodri, has expressed that it would be a dream for him to claim the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
The Spaniard shared in an interview with ESPN that winning the Ballon d’Or crown would be a “source of pride” to him.
Rodri also made it known that he has received massive backing in recent weeks, indicating that he has been tipped by many to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
The 28-year-old added that due to the support he has received, he already views himself as a winner of the prize.
Rodri’s Comment On His Chances Of Claiming The 2024 Ballon d’Or Award
Speaking with ESPN regarding his chances of winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, Rodri said:
“It’d be a dream for me to win the Ballon d’Or, it’d be a source of pride. In the street, people say to me, you’re going to win the Ballon d’Or; you deserve it. For me, that means I’m already a winner.”
The ex-Atletico Madrid man was named amongst the 30 players nominated for the award and he is considered as one of the favorites to claim the honor.
Rodri At Euro 2024
Rodri’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or Award grew after his exploits with Spain at the 2024 UEFA European Championship.
He made 6 appearances at the tournament, scoring 1 goal and providing no assists.
His stellar display at Euro 2024 resulted in him being named as the Player of the Tournament.
The midfielder also had a great outing with Manchester City during the 2023/24 season, as he assisted the club to win the Premier League title for a record-setting 5 consecutive seasons.
Rodri made 50 appearances for the Cityzens across all competitions last season, scoring 9 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions.
Can Rodri Surmount The Challenge Of Jude Bellingham And Vinicius Jr To Win The 2024 Ballon d’Or Award?
Rodri faces intense competition for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award from the Real Madrid duo of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, as they are considered favorites for the gong.
Vinicius Jr is seen as the overwhelming favorite to claim the prize, having assisted Los Blancos in winning the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Spanish Super Cup last term.
The 28-year-old also helped Real Madrid clinch the UEFA Super Cup title ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Vinicius Jr made 39 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last term, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.
During the interview with ESPN, Rodri also spoke on the possibility of potentially outwitting Vinicius Jr to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
He said: “People say I’m going to fight with Vinícius Jr, who is someone I admire. I think he’s a great player.”
Jude Bellingham also won similar trophies as Vinicius, whilst also playing an instrumental role in them clinching those titles.
Additionally, Bellingham helped England reach the final of Euro 2024, albeit losing to Rodri’s Spain 2-1.
Jude Bellingham scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 42 matches across all competitions.
Other Outside Favorites For The Ballon d’Or Award
Lautaro Martinez is considered an outside favorite for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, having led Inter Milan to the Serie A title last campaign and assisted Argentina to win the 2024 Copa America.
Martinez ended the 2024 Copa America as the top scorer, with 5 goals in 6 matches at the tournament despite starting only 2 games.
The 27-year-old also completed the 2023/24 Serie A season as the top scorer, with 24 goals in 33 league appearances.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, amongst others, were shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
