As the 2023/24 season draws to a close, the football world has begun debating who should be crowned the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner and Pep Guardiola has tipped the “brutal” star to win the most coveted award in all of sport.
Ahead of the awards ceremony in October, there are several names in contention for the award, with this year likely to win for the first time following Lionel Messi's decision to move to the MLS to play for Inter Miami last summer.
Real Madrid trio Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe are considered favorites for the award, however, many would like to see Man City's Rodri as the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.
This midfielder has been the sixth best player in the world for many years and played a big role in Man City retaining the Premier League title. In addition, the 28-year-old had a summer to remember as Spain advanced to Euro 2024 in Germany beating England 2-1 in the final.
Rodri was instrumental in the Spaniard's success and following that victory, many fans and pundits called for the City star to win the Ballon d'Or.
One man who would be happy to see this happen is his Man City manager, Pep Guardiola.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola would like to see “brutal” Rodri win the 2024 Ballon d'Or
Speaking ahead of Man City's pre-season clash with Celtic on Tuesday, Guardiola spoke about Rodri's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or this year.
“I can't deny how happy I would be if Rodri could win the Ballon d'Or,” the Spanish coach said of Fabrizio Romano. “His consistency is just wild.
“Being in the race, being nominated, or winning the Ballon d'Or is a great thing.”
Rodri faces a difficult task to win this award as it is an award rarely given to midfielders.
Luka Modric was the last to receive it in 2018, however, 2024 is different as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are unlikely to be in contention.
It would be an incredible achievement if the Man City star could be crowned the Ballon d'Or winner as the Spaniard has been incredibly versatile over the past few years.
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