While many were criticising Real Madrid for not appearing at the Ballon d’Or gala after it emerged that Vinicius Junior would not be winning the award, Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez was unlikely to do so. Not least because the Santiago Bernabeu is rumoured as a potential future destination.
City are reportedly trying to negotiate a fresh contract for the 28-year-old despite his anterior cruciate ligament injury, feeling that it would be good to tie him down. That is because Rodri has been identified as one of the few options that could strengthen their midfield, and with Toni Kroos’ absence being felt, that issue is becoming even more pertinent.
Asked about a return to Spanish football, Rodri was unwilling to give too much away, as recorded by Sport.
The 2024 winners list! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/kV28kY5io7
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
“LaLiga is growing in recent years. I fell in love with English football as soon as I stepped foot on English soil. I am very happy and happy in Manchester, I have a contract with City.”
“I love Spanish football, I represent Spain and also in the national team in the style that marked an era and I hope one day I can return because it is also my home.”
Meanwhile his podium speech went down very well in Spain too, after collecting the award. Not only did he thank family, friends, teammates and the injured Dani Carvajal, but dedicated the award to his position as a whole.
“I wanted to thank the most important person in my life, my girlfriend Laura, since today we are eight years old, it is our anniversary. To my mother, for helping me not get confused and follow the steps. To Pablo, my agent. When you went to pick me up, when you took me to the games. With a love so unconditional that I have never seen before. So altruistic.”
Sweet dreams, the 2024 Ballon d'Or is over! 👋
But we will see you soon…#ballondor pic.twitter.com/sVRDJl2kC1
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
“I don’t want to forget my teammates, football is a collective sport and without them I wouldn’t be here. I especially remember Carvajal, who suffered the same injury as me and could perfectly be here, at this lectern, winning the Ballon de Gold. And to you too, Lamine, keep working hard.”
Furthermore, about Carvajal, he also said: “We are two players who love their teams, now we have become more united due to the injury. I received a call from him being happy for me and I wanted to remember him.”
Rodri explained where he had come from, and the key moment in his journey.
“Today is also a victory for Spanish football. Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas, Busquets… And the figure of the midfielder,” he told Relevo.
The 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or Rodri leaving the ceremony, all smile 😄#ballondor pic.twitter.com/rVafcJFxwI
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
“When I was 17, I packed my bags towards a dream. In Villarreal I was looking to play in the First Division. One day I said enough: I called my father crying and with the feeling that everything was over, that I had invested my entire life to achieve it and that the dream was fading away. He told me to go to the end. From that day on, my mentality changed until today. A normal boy with values, that studies, that he does not focus so much on stereotypes outside of football. Very proud to be named the best player in the world.”
Rodri was named the MVP at Euro 2024, and was one of Manchester City’s best players this season, in which they retained the Premier League and won the League Cup. France Football have also explained that one of the reasons for Vinicius missing out is the fact other Real Madrid players split his vote.
