Jack Grealish recently took to social media to congratulate his Manchester City teammate, Rodri, after the Spanish midfielder’s surprising and much-debated victory at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Rodri, now 28, outshone competitors like Real Madrid’s rising star Vinicius Junior and England’s Jude Bellingham to secure football’s most coveted individual accolade. The award ceremony, held on Monday, October 28, in Paris, saw Rodri crowned as the world’s top player, capping off a phenomenal season and generating no small amount of discussion within the football community.
While many celebrated Rodri’s remarkable season, his win stirred considerable controversy, with Real Madrid notably absent from the ceremony despite their achievements. The Spanish club received recognition as the Men’s Club of the Year, and their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, was awarded Coach of the Year, but the club opted not to attend the event. Reports suggest that Madrid felt their players were overlooked in the individual awards, sparking further debate on Rodri’s win.
Rodri’s journey to the Ballon d’Or has been marked by relentless consistency and undeniable influence on the pitch. Last season, he played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign, contributing to victories in the Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. His near-perfect record was tarnished by only a single loss—the FA Cup final to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United—a match that underscored the intensity of City’s rivalry with their cross-town competitors. Nonetheless, his consistency and command in midfield set him apart as one of the most dependable players in Europe.
Adding to his club success, Rodri showcased his international prowess by leading Spain to victory at the Euro 2024 tournament. His journey through the competition culminated in a dramatic 2-1 win over England in the final, though an injury forced him off the field at halftime. Despite this setback, his contributions to Spain’s triumph only solidified his claim to the Ballon d’Or, as his performances were instrumental in the team’s success on one of Europe’s grandest stages.
As news of Rodri’s award spread, Jack Grealish, another key figure in Manchester City’s lineup, took to Instagram to congratulate his teammate. Grealish, now 29, shared a message of support, celebrating Rodri’s achievements and his determination through a challenging season. Grealish himself has faced recent setbacks, picking up an unspecified injury that saw him miss City’s recent 1-0 victory over Southampton on October 26. He’s expected to be sidelined for at least the next week, and his return will be critical as Manchester City confronts a challenging fixture list in the coming weeks.
Unfortunately, the glory of Rodri’s award comes amid a difficult time for the midfielder. Earlier this season, during a highly-anticipated match against Arsenal, Rodri suffered a severe injury, rupturing his ACL in City’s 2-2 draw with the title contenders. The injury has left him reliant on crutches, and he hobbled along the red carpet at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. With recovery likely extending into the next season, City faces the challenge of filling the considerable void in their midfield.
The absence of Rodri, combined with Grealish’s current injury, will test Pep Guardiola’s squad depth. City’s upcoming fixture against Tottenham in the League Cup on Wednesday, October 30, promises to be a challenging encounter, followed by a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, November 2. Guardiola will need to find solutions to maintain City’s competitive edge in the absence of two of his key players.
Grealish’s message reflects his deep respect for his teammate’s contributions and resilience. Rodri’s journey to the Ballon d’Or serves as a testament to his impact, both for club and country, and the outpouring of support from teammates like Grealish speaks volumes about the camaraderie within City’s dressing room. For Grealish, who has established himself as a versatile and influential part of City’s attacking lineup, seeing his teammate succeed despite setbacks undoubtedly resonates.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola faces critical decisions regarding the management of his squad in the coming weeks. With Rodri’s extended absence and Grealish’s short-term injury, City’s midfield and attack will likely undergo some reshuffling. Guardiola has been known for his tactical adaptability, but replacing Rodri’s combination of defensive skill, passing precision, and composure in midfield is no small task. Players like Kalvin Phillips may see increased playing time, or Guardiola might experiment with an alternative setup to compensate for the absences.
Rodri’s controversial win may continue to spark debate, but his achievements remain indisputable. A pivotal figure in City’s midfield, he has been a bedrock of their recent successes. His contributions to Spain’s Euro 2024 victory further highlight his ability to excel on the international stage, a trait that few players possess to the same degree. While Real Madrid may feel overlooked, Rodri’s accomplishments speak for themselves, making him a deserving recipient of the Ballon d’Or.
The current season has been challenging for both Rodri and Grealish, and the upcoming matches will test Manchester City’s resilience. As Rodri embarks on his recovery, he can take pride in his Ballon d’Or achievement, knowing that his exceptional season has earned him a place in football’s elite. Grealish’s heartfelt message of support reflects the spirit of unity within City’s squad as they rally around their injured teammate, hoping to continue their successful run while he recovers.