Reports : Vinicius Junior reportedly loses out in Ballon d'Or race

After leading Real Madrid to an unprecedented league and European double the previous season, including netting during the Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, Vinicius Jr. is presently the favorite to win the renowned accolade. However, social media sources indicate that Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City, is expected to win the prize, a shocking snub for him.

The Spaniard had a fantastic season last year, helping City win the Premier League for the fourth time in a row and going 74 games without losing with Pep Guardiola's team. The streak ended only during the FA Cup final.

After leading City to a historic treble last year, Rodri was much favored for the title of the Ballon d'Or, but he ended up finishing fifth. The 28-year-old's international record is one area in which he excels over Vinicius Jr. He played in every game but one during Spain's triumphant UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, helping them win the European championship over the summer.

Pep Guardiola backs Rodri to win Ballon d’Or 2024

The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has declared midfielder Rodri the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. According to Guardiola, his countryman is simply "the best," and he believes the former Atletico Madrid player has the potential to surpass Lionel Messi as the world's greatest men's player. 

Pep Guardiola had a firm but abrupt response when asked who he believes ought to receive the Ballon d'Or: Rodri, his own midfielder. The Manchester City boss claimed his fellow Spaniard is "the best" and that his performance was the only consideration when choosing who should win the most valuable individual award in the world.

Pep Guardiola said recently in an interview that, Because he’s the best. You tell me this; that’s how I will answer. I always thought the Ballon d’Or was Messi and Cristiano. You still see, the age that they are, Messi scoring three goals for his national team.”

The former Bayern Munich manager added, “Rodri. If I could decide, I would say that. I understand that there are other players that can win it. I think the other way is being nominated and being there is already nice.”