Published: October 29, 2024 9:17 AM IST 
It was an emotional night for Spain and Manchester City star footballer Rodri, who won his maiden Ballon d’Or trophy on Monday night in Paris. He became the first Spanish player to win the Ballon d’Or in the 21st century and the second in history to be awarded the prestigious trophy.
“It’s a very special day. I want to thank the most special person for me, who is my girlfriend. Without you, this journey would not have been the same. To my family, of course, and the values they have given me, which helped me not to make mistakes,” Rodri said while collecting the award.
Integral for club and country, Rodri 👏#UCL | #ballondor pic.twitter.com/PrB2KNtx6s
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 28, 2024
According to media reports, the current net worth of the 28-year-old mid-fielder is Rs 170 crore or 15.6 million pounds. Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024-winning star earns around Rs 2 crore or $230,000 in salary per week from English Premier League (EPL) champions Manchester City. However, according to a report in the ‘Sun’ newspaper, Man City manager Pep Guardiola is considering increasing his salary to Rs 4 crore per week to convince Rodri to sign a new contract with the club.
Rodri contract with Manchester City is due to expire in the summer of 2027, ensuring his continued presence at the club for the coming years. He played a crucial role for the Spanish national team, contributing to their victory at the 2024 Euros in Germany, where they defeated England 2-1 in July. He was named Player of the Tournament.
The 28-year-old defensive midfielder was instrumental throughout last season, providing defensive stability as well as key passes for both his club and country, totalling 14 assists in all competitions. Additionally, Rodri scored 10 goals during the 2023-24 season.
With this win, he becomes the first Premier League player to receive the Ballon d’Or since Cristiano Ronaldo did so in 2008 while at Manchester United.
Brazilian forward and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr was also a frontrunner for the award ahead of the ceremony but finished second, while his Real Madrid teammate and English midfielder Jude Bellingham took third.
Meanwhile, Barcelona Femeni player Aitana Bonmati won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive time. Additionally, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti received the Johan Cruyff Trophy as the men’s coach of the year, while former Chelsea coach Emma Hayes took home the women’s award after leading the USA to Olympic gold this summer. Real Madrid was also recognised as the men’s club of the year.
Barcelona wonder kid and Spanish winger, Yamine Lamal was awarded the Kopa Trophy for the best male player under the age of 21, while Argentine and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin Trophy for the second time in a row.
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