BREAKING: Rodri claims Ballon d'Or as Man City star sees off Vinicius Jnr to end 64-year wait

Rodri has won the Ballon d'Or - becoming the first Spaniard to claim the award in 64 years after a stellar season.

The star saw off competition from the likes of Vinicius Jnr - along with his team-mates when news leaked out that he had been beaten to the individual gong.

Rodri remained an integral part of a City side that won the for a . Pep Guardiola's side also made the final of the as they continued their domestic dominance.

The 28-year-old then kept up his winning habit over the summer as he led Spain to glory at Euro 2024. Rodri excelled in his midfield anchor role and was named the Player of the Tournament as the . Rodri was forced off at half-time in the final, but Spain were still able to get the job done in Berlin.

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In the aftermath of the Euros Spain boss Luis de la Fuente claimed that Rodri would be the rightful winner of the Ballon d'Or as he hoped to see a player from his country land the individual gong. He said: “Rodri has to be the Ballon d’Or. Give it to him, please. He’s simply the best player in the ”.

Rodri has succeeded where several of his compatriots have fallen short. Andres Iniesta, regarded as the finest Spanish player of his generation, came second to in 2010. His team-mate Xavi came third in three successive years from 2009 to 2011. The last Spaniard to win the award was Luis Suarez for the Catalan club in 1960.

The City star is currently sidelined and is expected to miss the remainder of the season as he was forced to undergo ACL surgery. Prior to his injury Rodri had been vocal about the amount of games being put on players amid talk of a strike.

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