Rodri wins Ballon d’Or: “This is a reward for Spanish soccer”

After a 64-year wait, a Spanish-born player has once again won the Ballon d’Or. Rodrigo Hernández, known as Rodri, was crowned the world’s best player this Monday at 10:34 p.m. at the ceremony in the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. He follows in the footsteps of the legendary Luis Suárez Miramontes, the 1960 winner. It’s another victory for Spanish soccer, which enjoyed a standout Euro Championship this past summer in Germany, even though it dashed the hopes of Vinicius and Real Madrid, who were so disappointed with the award’s outcome they cancelled all plans to attend - despite Real Madrid winning the best team award. For now, Vinicius will have to wait, as the coveted golden ball heads to Manchester with Rodri. Rodri was the top choice among five finalists, including Vinicius, Carvajal, Bellingham, and Haaland.

Rodri, first midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or since Modric

Rodri arrived on the red carpet with his partner, Laura, at an operatic venue just a stone’s throw from Notre Dame, looking sharp in a classic tuxedo and matching black crutches. Recovering from an ACL and meniscus injury sustained on September 22, Rodri took his time moving along the carpet, but the occasion was worth it, no matter the pain. As the first midfielder to claim the award since Modric in 2018, Rodri follows in Messi’s footsteps. Similar to Modric’s triumph after leading Croatia to the World Cup final, Rodri’s dominant performance in the Euros played a significant role in his journey to the Ballon d’Or. Leading Spain to victory and earning MVP honors, his impressive contributions in the Premier League and City’s comeback efforts cemented his path to the award on what was a historic night for Spanish soccer in Paris, with both Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí winning top honors, and Lamine Yamal taking the Kopa Trophy as best young player.

Rodri’s night in Paris

Restless in his seat alongside teammate Ruben Dias, he watched as 1995 Ballon d’Or winner George Weah opened the envelope containing the winner’s name and announced, “Rodrigo Hernández.” Although chants of “Vini!” rang out from the audience, prompting the hosts to ask for silence, the name was indeed Rodri’s. Drogba held onto Rodri’s crutches so he could stand tall in the photo, preserving the moment without the reminder of his injury.

“An incredible night,” Rodri began, first speaking emotionally in English before switching to Spanish. “I have so many people to thank. To everyone who voted for me, everyone who believed in me, this is an important day for me, my family, and my country.” Rodri acknowledged his loved ones: “Thank you to my girlfriend, Laura, who celebrates eight years with me today—without her, I wouldn’t have come this far. And to my family, they’re the reason I get to show my love for this sport.” He extended his gratitude to his teammates, singling out Carvajal, “who’s dealing with the same injury and deserves to be here as much as I do,” and Lamine, “one who will win this someday.” Rodri closed with a tribute to his predecessors: “This is a reward for Spanish soccer, for players like Iniesta, Xavi, Busi… tonight I’ve been able to bring some visibility to the role of the midfielder.”

Real Madrid’s extreme disappointment

While Rodri was the smiling face of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the absent Vinicius represented the other side. Word spread early in the day that Real Madrid had chosen not to attend the gala in protest, convinced that the men’s award would go neither to Vinicius nor Carvajal (nor even Bellingham, as a final possibility). News of Madrid’s decision reached fans who had been waiting since morning behind barriers lining the red carpet, with several brandishing shirts bearing Vinicius’s No. 7 and chanting “Vini, Vini!” throughout the event. Real Madrid’s snub was for many the talk of the night. But the award and the recognition all belonged to Rodri.