Rodri sees 'Ballon d'Or confirmed' as Spain star scoops Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament - while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is also recognised after final triumph over England

The defensive midfielder capped off yet another memorable campaign in club and international football as he bagged the Euro 2024 Player of the Year award after playing a stellar role in Spain's triumph in the continental competition. With four trophy wins now under his belt, including the Premier League title with the Cityzens and the Euro 2024 title with La Roja, the Spaniard has been tipped to win the Ballon d'Or this year by former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen. The Belgian wrote on X after Spain's final win: "Rodri ballon d'or confirmed."

Another Spanish star was also recognised for his brilliance throughout the tournament in the form of Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old performed consistently for Luis de la Fuente's side and contributed with an assist in the final from which Nico Williams broke the deadlock.

Rodri was named the Champions League Player of the Season for the 2022-23 campaign after his solitary goal helped Pep Guardiola's men pip Inter in the final to lift the trophy for the first time in the club's history. He was equally as influential for City last season, and will be a big favourite for this year's Ballon d'Or as he goes up against the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Lionel Messi.

The Spanish duo are expected to take a well-earned break before they join their respective clubs for pre-season. Both City and Barcelona are scheduled to tour the U.S. for friendly matches later this month.