In a star-studded ceremony in Paris on October 28, Spain's Rodri became the first-ever Manchester City player to win the Ballon d'Or. The accomplished midfielder triumphed over Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to claim the prestigious honor, becoming the first midfielder since Luka Modric to earn the title. Rodri’s exceptional form throughout the 2023/24 season cemented his reputation as one of the game’s finest, delivering standout performances for both Manchester City and Spain.

During City’s record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League win, Rodri was indispensable, netting 8 goals and tallying 9 assists. His memorable long-range strike in City’s 3-1 win over West Ham in the season's closing match underscored his capacity to deliver under pressure. Beyond attacking contributions, Rodri showcased consistent defensive strength, averaging 85.63 passes per game with high accuracy, along with 333 tackles and 150 interceptions.

Rodri’s influence extended to the international stage, where he played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign. Featuring in all 11 matches, he helped lead Spain through an unbeaten run up to the final. Even after leaving the final match at halftime due to injury, his decisive equalizer against Georgia in the Round of 16 exemplified his reliability in clutch moments.

While his season was packed with silverware, including the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, Rodri’s incredible unbeaten streak ended in the FA Cup final against Manchester United after 74 consecutive matches without a loss across both club and country.

Rodri’s season-long excellence placed him firmly in Ballon d'Or contention. City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, praised Rodri's sustained quality, reflecting that Rodri has been consistently outstanding over multiple seasons, not just 2023/24. Rodri’s Ballon d'Or victory crowns a season that saw him shape City’s success and leave an indelible mark on world football.