Pep Guardiola exclusive: Manchester City manager backs Rodri for 2024 Ballon d'Or award - 'He's the best'
ByOli Gent
Updated 28/10/2024 at 19:01 GMT
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed one of his own players to be the next recipient of the prestigious Ballon d'Or award – midfielder Rodri. Guardiola insists that his compatriot is simply "the best", and believes that the former Atletico Madrid man can succeed Lionel Messi as the world's best men's player. The Ballon d'Or will be awarded in Paris on Monday, October 28.
‘He is the best!’ – Guardiola backs Rodri for 2024 Ballon d’Or
Video credit: TNT Sports
Pep Guardiola was curt but certain in his response to being asked who he believes should win the Ballon d’Or – his own midfielder, Rodri.
The Manchester City manager said the Spaniard is “the best”, and insisted that reasoning was all that mattered when it came to who he thought should win the world’s most prestigious individual award.
The Ballon d’Or will be presented on Monday in Paris, and Rodri is shortlisted for the award, as well as fellow City players Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
It is the first time since 2006 that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, who hold 13 ‘Golden Balls’ between them, are amongst the nominees.
Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports ahead of City’s UEFA Champions League match against Sparta Prague, Guardiola was direct about why he thought Rodri was deserving of the top prize.
“Rodri,” Guardiola said when asked who he thought should claim the prize as the best men’s player in the world. “Because he’s the best.
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"You tell me this; that’s how I will answer. I always thought the Ballon d’Or was Messi and Cristiano. You still see, the age that they are, Messi scoring three goals for his national team.
“Rodri. If I could decide, I would say that. I understand that there are other players that can win it. I think the other way is being nominated and being there is already nice.”
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Messi is the holder of the award after his World Cup heroics in December 2022, but Rodri is amongst the favourites to follow in the Argentine’s footsteps.
The Spanish midfielder has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a ligament and meniscus injury that he sustained against Arsenal back in September.
'It's a no-brainer' - LEWIS
Rico Lewis also believes Rodri should be crowned the world's best player, telling TNT Sports that he thought his team-mate was worthy of the award.
The full-back hailed the "complete" nature of Rodri's style of play, and said that was what stood the Spaniard out from the rest.
"Maybe it’s a bit biased, but I think Rodri should win it," Lewis told TNT Sports.
"In the year, he’s been the most complete football player. It’s so difficult for a defensive midfielder to get forward and score the goals or assists, but also control the game like he does and be such a vital player in a massive team like City. He’s won the trophies; he’s won the trophies with Spain as well.
"For a player like him to also get the goals and assists, it’s a no-brainer for me. Let’s see what happens."
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