The Ballon d’Or remains football’s most prestigious individual award, often regarded as the ultimate recognition for a player’s brilliance over a year.
For many professionals, it is the crowning moment of their careers, with only a handful of players across history lifting the golden trophy.
In the Premier League, very few have been able to achieve that milestone. Manchester City midfielder Rodri became the latest to be crowned the world’s best player, following an exceptional year at both club and international level.
Rodri’s triumph was celebrated as a reward for consistency, leadership, and dominance at the heart of City’s midfield.
He played a decisive role in helping Pep Guardiola’s side secure another Premier League crown, while also inspiring Spain to international success.
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However, despite winning football’s most coveted prize, the Spaniard has now admitted that his perspective on the Ballon d’Or has changed significantly in light of personal struggles.
Injury More Significant Than Ballon d’Or, Says Rodri
The 29-year-old midfielder was sidelined for most of last season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a setback that forced him to watch from the stands during a crucial period of his career.
Reflecting on his recovery journey, Rodri insisted that overcoming the injury carried far more weight than lifting the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Spain’s World Cup qualifier in Turkey, Rodri was brutally honest about how the injury reshaped his priorities.
“The injury is much more significant than the Ballon d’Or. It was a breath of fresh air at a time when I was having a really hard time,” he said, as reported by ESPN.
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For Rodri, the recognition of being named the world’s best has little meaning if he is unable to perform at his highest level on the pitch.
“I’m happy for the recognition, but it’s of no use to me. I still want to be the same player. Above all, when you go through this process on a mental level, I want to return to my level, I want to enjoy football again. That’s my only goal,” he added.
