On the other hand, Lothar Matthaus threw his support behind Rodri, stating that Jude Bellingham should finish as runner-up to the City midfielder.. .Continue Reading
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry also backed Rodri for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, calling him the ‘heartbeat’ of Pep Guardiola’s team.
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the best footballer in the world, will be presented in Paris on Monday, October 28, during the 68th ceremony.
Rodri, alongside Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, is among the 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Despite being sidelined with an injury, Henry believes Rodri is a deserving winner, having played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.
‘Rodri,’ Henry said on CBS Sports when asked to name his Ballon d’Or pick. ‘I [always] wanted Xavi and Andres Iniesta to win it when they were performing.
‘People forget about midfielders and what they do. They’re the heart of the team. He is the heart of Manchester City.
‘I know he didn’t win the Champions League [last season] but he won the Euros [with Spain].’
Henry was close to picking Vinicius Junior, but decided against it after his displays for Brazil at the Copa America.
‘Vini Jr didn’t perfom at the Copa America,’ Henry added. ‘But is he [still] a worthy winner? Yes.
‘He is outstanding, I keep on saying. For me, right now, as a forward, he is the best in the world. So he deserves it [too].’
Meanwhile, fellow football pundit Jamie Carragher decided to pick Vinicius Junior over Rodri for the prize.
‘I’d go for Vini Jr,’ Carragher said. ‘They won the Champions League, which is the biggest thing you can win in club football.
‘It’s difficult for Rodri because of the position he plays. Very few players win it in that position, whether you are a holding midfield player or a defender.’
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