Rodri winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or might have come as a surprise, but the midfielder has the stats and trophy cabinet to back up his victory.
Rodri and Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior were the two favorites to take home soccer's most prestigious individual award, and the voters ultimately went with the Manchester City man. It is no secret that Rodri is the best defensive midfielder in the world and he proved just how integral he is for both club and country in 2023–24.
