Rodri Wins Ballon d'Or

Spain's international and Manchester City midfielder, Rodriguez Hernandez, has been named winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Better known as Rodri, the talented player becomes the third Spanish player to win the trophy, an event organized by French magazine, France Football, in collaboration with UEFA.

The announcement was made in Paris early Monday evening following a stellar performance for both club and country in the year under review.

With the number of games played, consistency, passing, intercepts, few but important goals as the major criteria for picking the tightly contested event, it was obvious that he was the man to beat. He won the night with other contenders, including the irrepressibly Brazilian star, Vinicius Junior, looking from behind.

Rodri's victory ended the over six decades by any Spanish player to grab the diadem following the victory of Luis Suárez Miramontes in 1960.

Notably also, it came as number three for Spanish football players in the footsteps of Alfredo di Stéfano who won both the 1957 and 1959 editions and that of 1960 won by Miramontes.

Rodri's victory is coming on the heels of his sterling club performance which helped to secure the 2023 premiership title for the club. That was followed by another super performance for his country, that helped the European nation to secure the 2024 European national team trophy.

While giving his acceptance speech, Rodri, who was helped to the podium by Cote D'voire mercurial football star and ex international, Didier Drogba, eulogized his partner, Laura, reminding the audience that the day of his victory also marked the eight anniversary of their union.

"A very special day, for me, my family and my country," he said, looking emotional as he lifted up his trophy.

Nigeria's international and Atalanta striker, Ademola Lookman came 14th in an event that was greeted with controversy and boycott.

However, neither of them could undermine the fact that Rodri represents the finest of European football being a key member of arguably the finest European club and national team in the year under review.