Rodri On Dani Carvajal: In an intense battle for Ballon d'Or 2024, it was Manchester City's Rodri who emerged victorious ahead of the likes of Real Madrid-duo Vinicius Jr (2nd) and Jude Bellingham (3rd).
Rodri's compatriot and fellow UEFA Euro 2024 winner, Dani Carvajal, enjoyed a stellar season and produced arguably his greatest performances of his career across the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Euro 2024.
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The Spanish full-back was rewarded for his fruitful and successful season, as he ended up finishing 4th in the Ballon d’Or 2024 rankings (his career best).
However, only a few hours before the event, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid learnt that Vinicius Jr will not be awarded the Men’s Ballon d’Or 2024 and therefore, decided to boycott the event.
No representative from Los Blancos was present at the event in Paris, and the die-hard fans of Real Madrid have started calling the decision to award Rodri the Ballon d’Or as ‘robbery’.
Inspite of the ongoing series of events, Dani Carvajal’s positive gesture stands out as a true example of bonding and sportsmanship, as the Real Madrid right-back was the first one to congratulate Rodri on his iconic feat, as revealed by the Manchester City midfielder himself.
"I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me. I wanted to remember him because I think he also deserved it. He has similar values to mine, of teamwork, of loving a club and of giving everything. We share many things, we have been brought together more by the injury," said Rodri, as reported by Marca.
Will Rodri Feature In Finalissima 2025?
Rodri sustained an ACL injury last month during Manchester City's dramatic 2-2 draw with Arsenal in their Premier League fixture. The severity of the injury has now ruled the Manchester City midfielder out for the rest of the season, and even during the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony, the Spaniard was on crutches to receive his award.
Spain are the reigning European champions after beating England 2-1 in the final. On the other hand, Lionel Messi’s Argentina successfully managed to retain their Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0 in the final after extra time, thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s goal.
The Finalissima 2025 will feature the battle between the South American champions and European champions. Argentina are the reigning champions of Finalissima, as they defeated ‘then European champions’ Italy 3-0 in the final, back in July 2022.
Spain will face Argentina in the 2025 final, but the venue has not been decided yet. It will also be the battle of the ‘greatest of all time’ Lionel Messi Vs ‘potentially the biggest teen sensation ever’ Lamine Yamal, in what can be stated as the ‘passing of the torch’ match.
Rodri is a key figure for La Roja and his presence in the midfield will be vital. As the final will most probably take place keeping in mind the next year’s UEFA Nations League final, there is a 50-50 chance that Rodri might feature.