Spain international and Manchester City midfield maestro, Rodri, has named four standout players he believes are in contention for this year’s Ballon d’Or accolade.
Rodri, who clinched the prestigious award last year ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, is set to hand over the mantle this month.
Reflecting on the season’s top performers, he highlighted two of his compatriots – Lamine Yamal and Pedri of Barcelona – as strong candidates.
In addition to his national teammates, Rodri also acknowledged the brilliance of Paris Saint-Germain stars Vitinha and Ousmane Dembélé, citing their club’s dominance throughout the campaign.
“It’s difficult because I have a preference for my teammates, but I have to say that PSG was the team of the season. It’s hard to think that it won’t be a player from that team,” Rodri remarked.
He added, “Out of sympathy, obviously, I would like Lamine or Pedri to win, but, for sporting merit and for the season itself, it would be Ousmane (Dembélé) or Vitinha.”