Rodri was part of the Manchester City squad that achieved a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title under Pep Guardiola.
Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, has sparked debate by claiming Manchester City's Rodri is the world's best player and deserves the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.
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Rodri's Stellar Year
Rodri's credentials are undeniable as he was instrumental in Manchester City's record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title under Pep Guardiola.
![Ballon d'Or: Lamine Yamal, Lautaro Martinez, Rodri and other players who could win ahead of Bellingham](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15072024/b4b74a7f-1ddb-448a-941b-1e7e29f6707b.png?operations=fit(180:))
17:52 - 15.07.2024
Ballon d'Or: Lamine Yamal, Lautaro Martinez, Rodri and other players who could win ahead of Bellingham
After an underwhelming European Championship outing, Jude Bellingham risks losing the Ballon d'Or to a few other players.
His performances throughout the Euros further solidified his position as a key player, earning him the Player of the Tournament award despite an injury that forced him off the pitch early in the final against England.
De la Fuente's Bold Claim
De la Fuente wasted no time in praising his midfielder, saying he deserves the award.
"Rodri is the best player in the world, please give him the Ballon d'Or now," he declared, according to the Daily Mail.
![He has to be kept under control — Rodri identifies England's dangerman ahead of final](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/13072024/ea38b460-369c-493d-86ba-06c67056ebd2.png?operations=fit(180:))
22:05 - 12.07.2024
He has to be kept under control — Rodri identifies England's dangerman ahead of final
Spain's star man Rodri named an English player that could hurt them ahead of their European Championship final.
If Rodri takes home the award, he would be the first Spaniard to do so since Luis Suárez in 1960.
Rodri on the Ballon d'Or
While acknowledging Spain's long wait for a Ballon d'Or winner, Rodri himself remains humble.
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15072024/9cfe393e-848c-4a4e-8a45-18545187e54a.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
"I would like for a Spaniard to win it, I don't care who," he stated, also recognising the merits of teammate Dani Carvajal. "It would be great," he added, "I've heard that [Carvajal] also deserves it."
Rodri's individual achievements and Spain's Euro 2024 victory have certainly placed him in the Ballon d'Or conversation.