Rodri has revealed why he claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or award ahead of other contenders for the prize.
The Manchester City star claimed that he thinks he clinched the prestigious individual honor because of his consistency.
Rodri indicated that consistency is the most difficult aspect of football while expressing that he has been the most regular player in the world this year.
Rodri’s Assertions Over Why He Won The 2024 Ballon d’Or Award
Speaking in an interview with Spanish media outlet Cope, the former Atletico Madrid man said: “I think I won the Ballon d’Or because I’ve been consistent. It’s the most difficult skill in football.
“I think I’ve been the most regular player in the world this year, yes.”
Rodri was surprisingly crowned with the 2024 Ballon d’Or award on October 29, 2024, beating the Real Madrid duo of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
The Spaniard shockingly emerged as the winner after an impressive 2023/24 campaign, where he claimed the Premier League title alongside the UEFA European Championship, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
The 28-year-old also scored an impressive 12 goals and provided 13 assists in over 50 matches for Manchester City and Spain between 2023 and 2024.
Vinicius Jr Snubbed For The 2024 Ballon d’Or Award
Reports indicate that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, who was rumored to be an overwhelming favorite, felt he wasn’t handed the 2024 Ballon d’Or award due to his battle against systemic racism.
The 24-year-old won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Spanish Super Cup last season but it wasn’t enough for him to claim the prize.
Vinicius Junior also scored 26 goals and provided 11 assists for club (Real Madrid) and country (Brazil).
Real Madrid were reportedly informed a few hours before the award ceremony commenced on Monday, October 28, 2024, that Vinicius Junior would not be claiming the prize, and as such, they opted not to attend the 2024 Ballon d’Or award ceremony.
Los Blancos were already making plans to travel to Paris, France, to celebrate a potential Ballon d’Or triumph when they received the information regarding Vinicius Jr.
Who Is Rodri?
Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, known as Rodri or Rodrigo, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the Spain national team.
Rodri’s Personal Information?
Rodri was born on June 22, 1996, in Madrid, Spain to Spanish parents, and he comes from a family of 5.
The 28-year-old has two brothers but their names are currently unknown.
Rodri is in a long-term relationship and he met his partner during his time at the university.
He has also been dating her since then and her name is Laura, a medical professional specializing in surgeries.
Rodri studied at the Jaume I University in nearby Castellón de la Plana for 4 years to bag a degree in business administration and management.
Rodri’s Market Value And Net Worth?
His market value is €130 million according to Transfermkt, while his net worth is estimated to be between the region of €50 million – 55 million.
Rodri’s Salary?
He earns about 264,000 per week at Manchester City.
Rodri’s Career Stats?
Rodri has made 391 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 31 goals and providing 37 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Rodri has made 57 appearances for Spain, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.
His Achievements?
Rodri has won several trophies in his career, including 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 UEFA European Championship, 1 UEFA Nations League, 4 English Premier League titles, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.
Rodri’s Position?
The Spaniard functions primarily in the defensive midfield department but can also be deployed at the central midfield and center-back positions.
Clubs He Has Played For In His Career?
Rodri has played for just 3 clubs in his career, namely; Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Manchester City.
Is Rodri On Social Media?
Rodri is not on any social media platform and he has in the past revealed that it is a personal decision he made as he isn’t keen on looking for new friends via the internet.
He said: “I don’t need to find new friends on the net. And it’s something I said no to in the beginning and I kept that until the end, so it’s not a decision I made three years ago. For me it was easy to not have it because I never needed the feeling.”
Does Rodri Have A Tattoo?
Rodri also doesn’t have a tattoo and he can donate blood when he wants.
The midfielder believes in living life by his own rules, free from external influences, a choice he feels has positively impacted his football career.
Rodri’s Injury?
The Spaniard is currently nursing a cruciate ligament injury which he sustained in Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on September 22, 2024.
Rodri was withdrawn in the 21st minute for Mateo Kovacic due to the knock after a challenge involving him and Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey.
Rodri has been ruled out for the season due to the injury, having made only 3 appearances this campaign, scoring no goal and providing no assists in all competitions.
Despite the setback, Rodri is confident of making a return to competitive football before the culmination of the 2024/25 campaign.
