Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Manchester City midfielder and Spanish national team player Rodri clinched the 2024 Ballon d’Or, beating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior in the prestigious awards ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris early Tuesday morning, October 29.
Rodri’s win, following a dominant season with City in 2023/2024, makes him the first Manchester City player to capture the Ballon d’Or. This achievement also places him among an elite group of Spanish players who have won the honor, joining legends Alfredo Di Stefano and Luis Suarez.
Born Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante in Madrid on June 22, 1996, the 28-year-old midfielder began his journey with CF Rayo Majadahonda Youth in 2006. Now an integral player under manager Pep Guardiola, Rodri is a cornerstone of Manchester City’s midfield.
His impact has been instrumental in the Manchester City’s successes, including Premier League and Champions League titles. His accomplishments extended internationally this year when Spain secure the UEFA Euro 2024 title.
Head-to-Head Statistic: Rodri vs. Vinicius Junior
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win reflects his statistical dominance over Vinicius Junior, particularly in all-around performance. Stats Pitch data highlights Rodri’s consistency with 63 appearances during the 2023/2024 season, compared to Vinicius’s 49 matches.
While Vinicius led in goals, scoring 26 to Rodri’s 12, Rodri excelled in assists, recording 14 compared to Vinicius’s 11. For a defensive midfielder, Rodri’s 12 goals and 14 assists are impressive, emphasizing his contribution to both defense and attack. His passing accuracy stood at a remarkable 93 percent, far exceeding Vinicius’s 78 percent, and he logged 100 key passes compared to Vinicius’s 70.
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Rodri also excelled in duels, winning 352 compared to Vinicius’s 266, underlining his control over the game’s tempo. His consistency was evident in his season record as well, with only one loss compared to Vinicius’s three. Rodri’s season average rating of 7.89 also topped Vinicius’s 7.36.
Rodri’s trophy achievements further solidify his claim to the Ballon d’Or. Alongside Spain’s Euro 2024 title, he secured the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City. In contrast, Vinicius’s 2023/2024 honors included La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup.
With well-rounded statistics and a more complete trophy collection, Rodri has proven himself the rightful 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, edging out Vinicius, who excelled in attack but fell short in overall versatility and influence on the pitch.
(Raidi/Agung)
