Rodri shared his heartfelt emotions upon receiving the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The 28-year-old midfielder celebrated a remarkable season, having played a vital role in helping Manchester City win the 2023-2024 Premier League and Spain secure the Euro 2024 title.

As he approached the podium to accept the award, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba assisted him up the stage due to an injury he sustained in September, which will unfortunately keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Reflecting on lifting the Ballon d’Or trophy, Rodri described the night as the culmination of an unforgettable year in his journey as a player.

“It was an incredible night for me,” he said. “To reach this point, the most important thing has been striving to improve with every game. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has recognized my dedication in every aspect.

“When I was young, I never imagined winning the Ballon d’Or, but in recent years I have pushed myself to perform at the highest level and have achieved much. This moment is deeply emotional, and I am so thankful to everyone,” Rodri shared at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.