BALLON D'OR
Who was the last English Premier League player to win the Ballon d’Or?
The Spanish midfielder also became the first Manchester City player to win this award in history.
This Monday marked a historic moment for Spanish football, as Rodrigo Hernández claimed the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or, finishing ahead of Vinicius Júnior. In receiving this award as the world’s best player for the 2023-24 season, the 28-year-old midfielder also brought the most prestigious individual honour back to the Premier League.
Ronaldo last Ballon d’Or winner from EPL
The last time a player from England’s top flight won this award was in 2008, when Cristiano Ronaldo had a spectacular year with Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, claiming the EPL title, the UEFA Champions League trophy, and the FA Community Shield. The legendary Portuguese footballer brought glory to Old Trafford, something that has been missing for a while.
This year, it’s Rodri who brings the most coveted award in professional football to Etihad Stadium, after establishing himself as a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s team and also shining as a key player for Luis de la Fuente’s Spain. The Spanish pivot’s 2023-24 season includes titles in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.
When is Man City’s next home game?
This achievement also marks a new chapter in Manchester City’s history, as Rodri Hernández becomes the first player from the club to win the Ballon d’Or, a recognition fans are sure to celebrate.
Interestingly, City‘s next home match won’t be until November 23 against Tottenham, following four away games against the Spurs (EFL Carabao Cup), Bournemouth (EPL), Sporting Lisbon (UCL), and Brighton (EPL). Let’s see if they light the place up in gold.
Ballon d’Or winners in England
Alongside Rodri and Cristiano Ronaldo, another Ballon d’Or winner from an English top-flight club in the 21st century was Michael Owen with Liverpool in 2001, representing Liverpool. In an earlier era of English football, Manchester United made history with winners George Best (1968), Bobby Charlton (1966), and Denis Law (1964). The first of all, however, was Stanley Matthews with Blackpool FC in 1956.
The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is already underway, and the Premier League will be aiming to secure another winner of the world’s most prestigious individual award, with the likes of Erling Haaland in the reckoning. Watching the 2024-25 season unfold will be fascinating as we see which player delivers the best performance.