Ballon d'Or Rodri has been named as the most talented footballer in the world ahead of Vinicius Jr.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has once again proven his status as one of the world's elite footballers after he was named the most talented player in 2024, beating Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. and other top stars in a recent ranking by The Guardian.
This recognition follows Rodri's controversial win of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, which sparked debates among fans, analysts and football lovers.
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Ballon d'Or Controversy
Rodri's Ballon d'Or victory was met with mixed reactions, particularly from supporters of Vinicius Jr., who felt the Brazilian had a more impactful season.
Despite this, FIFA compensated Vinicius by awarding him the title of The Best player in the world for 2024.
However, The Guardian's latest ranking reinforces Rodri's position at the top, placing him ahead of Vinicius Jr., who ranked second, and Erling Haaland, who took third place.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham complete the top five after finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
Rodri's Impressive Year
The Guardian highlighted Rodri's exceptional contributions to both Manchester City and the Spanish national team.
His important role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory and Manchester City's fourth consecutive Premier League title shows his importance on the pitch.
The publication noted a defining moment during a Euro match against Georgia, where Rodri’s calm presence helped stabilise the game for his team.
Coach Luis de la Fuente praised him as "a perfect computer" for managing game dynamics effectively.
Vinicius Jr.'s Performance
Vinicius Jr. also had an outstanding year, notably scoring a hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund and playing a crucial role in Real Madrid's Champions League campaign.
His relentless energy and skill have made him a fan favourite, with coach Carlo Ancelotti declaring him "the best in the world."
Despite finishing as runner-up in The Guardian’s ranking, losing by just 68 to Rodri. Vinicius remains a formidable talent on the global stage.
As discussions continue around the merits of each player's achievements, Rodri’s recognition as both Ballon d'Or winner and top-ranked player by The Guardian marks a significant milestone in his career.
With both players displaying their extraordinary talents on the pitch, the rivalry between Rodri and Vinicius Jr. could become one of the defining narratives in football for years to come.