Spanish midfielder Rodri has clinched the Ballon d'Or award for the world's best player, beating Brazil's Vinicius Jr and England's Jude Bellingham
Rodri was named the best player at the 2024 European Championship after Spain bagged their fourth title. He also led his team, Manchester City, to victory in the fourth successive Premier League trophy last season.
"Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football, for so many players who have not won it and have deserved it," Rodri said, naming veteran players like Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Iker Casillas and Sergio Busquets.
The last time a defensive midfielder won the Ballon d'Or was Lothar Matthaus in 1990. Alfredo Di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez (1960) are the other Spanish players to win the Ballon d'Or.
A disappointed Vinicius Jr, a Real Madrid forward, said he will continue his fight against racism even if it cost him the Ballon d'Or. Real Madrid had boycotted the ceremony in Paris as the Brazilian could not win the prestigious award.
The Woman Ballon d'Or award was won by another Spaniard, Aitana Bonmati, who is also the midfielder for Barcelona side. She is winning the trophy for the second time in a row besides winning Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa and Copa de la Reina. Bonmati, 26, has scored 19 goals across all the four competitions.
After winning the award, Bonmati said, "I always say this is not something that you can do alone, I'm so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful players who help me to keep growing into a better player."