Manchester City midfielder Rodri has revealed that winning the Ballon d'Or was never something he dreamed of as a child, admitting he once considered such an achievement impossible. The Spanish international reflected on his landmark individual success while also backing his national teammate Lamine Yamal to one day secure football’s most prestigious individual honour.

Midfielder reflects on his landmark achievement

Rodri looked back on his remarkable 2024 Ballon d'Or win during an in-depth conversation with DAZN. The 29-year-old midfield anchor for Manchester City enjoyed a glittering 2023-24 season, collecting the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup titles with his club, before adding Euro 2024 glory with Spain. His personal accolade marked him as the first midfielder to capture the famed golden ball since Real Madrid’s Luka Modric in 2018.

Rodri minimises focus on individual accolades

Despite his global recognition, the composed midfielder stated that personal awards have never been his main driving force.

Reflecting on his journey, Rodri said: “I wouldn’t call it a dream. I just didn’t believe I could win. Life surprises you. Honestly, I don’t give it more importance than it deserves, even though it means a lot.”

He added, “It’s about being named the best. This was the result of consistent hard work. I’m thankful to everyone who voted for me and for the recognition. It was an incredibly special moment for me and my family.”

Backing Yamal to reach the top

The City star also heaped praise on Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who finished second in the Ballon d'Or standings a year after Rodri’s triumph, coming in behind Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele.

Rodri believes the young forward has the potential to go all the way, saying: “Two Spanish players — one representing the present and the other the future. He’s already a star, but with the potential he has ahead of him, it’s incredible.”

He continued, “One day he’ll win the Ballon d'Or — he’s a beast. He’s a phenomenal person. I have a great relationship with him. People don’t know him well enough. I’d encourage everyone to get to know him — he’s truly a fantastic guy.”

Addressing suggestions that Yamal faces excessive media attention, Rodri remarked: “No, I think players of his calibre — those who possess such special talent — naturally attract that level of attention, both positive and negative. It’s something you have to accept.”

He added, “He’s remarkably mature. In some ways, people have a distorted image of him. He’s a great kid with outstanding values for his age — very focused, very mature. Let’s not forget he’s only 18, as we all once were. I’m delighted to see how much he’s growing.”

Spain gear up for the world stage

Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s reigning European champions are now aiming to extend their continental dominance onto the world stage at the upcoming World Cup. With a technically gifted core led by Rodri and Yamal, La Roja will start their Group H campaign against Cape Verde at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, June 14. They will then face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in subsequent fixtures, as they look to make a strong start and assert their credentials as true title contenders.