Rodri vs Vinicius: Man City star hails Real Madrid ace, dreams of Ballon d’Or award “Iniesta or Xavi didn’t win”

Manchester City star Rodri has expressed admiration for his Ballon d’Or rival, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr., as both players contend for football’s most prestigious individual accolade, Soccernet.football reports.

Speaking to AS, Rodri revealed his respect for Vinicius, despite their competition for the award.

“People say that I will compete with Vinícius, who I admire a lot. He is a great player. Being in this conversation already makes me proud for all the work I have done,” said Rodri.

Acknowledging the stiff competition, the Spanish midfielder added: “In the end, it will depend on what people value when voting, but there are many players who deserve it. We will see what happens.”

Rodri has been a key figure in Manchester City’s success, playing a pivotal role in their recent fourth consecutive Premier League title.

The 28-year-old midfielder’s stellar performances on the international stage, especially at Euro 2024 where he was named Player of the Tournament, have further bolstered his chances for the Ballon d’Or. His leadership and skill were vital in guiding a youthful Spanish team to European glory.

Reflecting on his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, Rodri admitted it would be a dream come true, but he also acknowledged the challenges posed by the history of the award.

“It would be a dream for me. A lot of people wonder how I could win it if players like Iniesta or Xavi did not win,” he reflected. “They marked an era… but they were competing in an era dominated by Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Rodri added that winning the Ballon d’Or would be a point of immense pride, both for him and for Spain. “To have a Spanish representative win the Ballon d’Or would be a great recognition for everyone.”

Despite Rodri’s impressive achievements, Vinicius Jr. remains one of the front-runners in the race for the award, making this year’s Ballon d’Or competition an exciting one to watch.