In a stunning showcase of talent and prestige, the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony has crowned Manchester City midfielder Rodri as the best footballer on the planet, surpassing Real Madrid’s dazzling winger, Vinicius Jr. As the anticipation builds for the announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri has stepped into the spotlight, sharing his insights on the intense competition between Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal and PSG’s electrifying forward Ousmane Dembele.
The race for the coveted Golden Orb is heating up, with Yamal and Dembele positioned as the frontrunners. Their teammates, Pedri and Vitinha, also add depth to the competition, but they are not seen as the leading contenders. Rodri, when pressed for his prediction, candidly expressed his admiration for both Barcelona’s dynamic duo and PSG’s formidable pair.
“The Ballon d’Or is difficult. PSG has been the team of the season, and it would be hard not to give it to someone from that team. I’m happy for Luis Enrique,” Rodri remarked, acknowledging the strength of the Parisian club.
While Rodri has a soft spot for Yamal and Pedri, he recognizes that the ultimate decision may lean towards Dembele or Vitinha based on their sporting achievements. “I’d like to see it go to Lamine or Pedri, but on sporting merit, it’s Dembele or Vitinha,” he stated, revealing the tough choices that lie ahead.
In a heartfelt moment captured on camera, Rodri recalled the advice he gave to Lamine after Spain’s Euro triumph last year. “Keep working because you can achieve anything you want,” he urged, highlighting the importance of harnessing talent for the greater good of the team. “I didn’t want to be caught on camera. It’s a bit of a reflection of the fact that they have to put their enormous talent at the service of the team and football,” he added, emphasizing the need for young players to remain grounded despite their extraordinary abilities.
Rodri’s comments came during a press conference ahead of Spain’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Turkey, where Lamine is expected to return to action after overcoming a minor back issue. As the football world eagerly anticipates the Ballon d’Or verdict, the spotlight remains firmly on these young stars, each vying for the chance to etch their names in history.
