Official: Rodri wins Ballon d'Or, beating Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr to biggest individual award in football

The Manchester City midfielder won a clutch of trophies last season, lifting the Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup with City, as well as Euro 2024 with Spain. Vinicius Jr had been touted as Rodri's main competition, but the Real Madrid star did not attend the ceremony after learning he would not win the award. Fellow candidate, and Vinicius' team-mate Jude Bellingham, was also absent.

Rodri is the first midfielder to win the prize since 2018, when Luka Modric was honoured. Since then, Lionel Messi has won three of the prizes and Karim Benzema has won one; Robert Lewandowski was denied the chance to win the award in 2020 as it was not given, but the Barcelona striker was the frontrunner for the individual trophy.

On stage, Rodri said: "A very special day, for me, my family and my country."

He added: "I try to improve every day, try to level up my game."

Asked about his injury recovery, Rodri added: "I am just trying to take care of myself. Rest, enjoy the free time with my family and come back stronger."

Rodri is currently injured, and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury. City have struggled somewhat without him; they have only kept two clean sheets this season, and just one without the Spaniard in the team.

Rodri will focus on his recovery but has been honoured for his performances across the calendar year. Without him, City will play Tottenham in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday.