Rodri's Ballon d'Or 'what Spanish football deserves'

Manchester City's Rodri was a worthy winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, according to manager Pep Guardiola.

The Spain midfielder saw off competition from Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham - who finished second and third respectively - to win the prize.

Rodri was instrumental in City's Premier League title victory in May and was named player of the tournament as Spain won Euro 2024.

Real Madrid were absent from the ceremony after reportedly learning that Vinicius, who was clear favourite for the award, had not won.

"If they [Real Madrid] want to go, it's fine. If they don't, it's fine as well," said former Barcelona manager Guardiola.

"If they want to congratulate, it's fine. If they don't want to congratulate, it's fine as well.

"If you are in the first two or three [places] it's exceptional. It means you have done an incredible year and you have to be so satisfied.

"Should it be Vinicius? Maybe. It's [voted by] journalists, you know, not an elite group of people who decide. It's [journalists] all around the world that votes, not just one country. There are different opinions, and that's what makes football nice, no?"

Rodri is the first Spanish men's Ballon d'Or winner this century

Rodri is the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d'Or and the first Premier League-based player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have won it 14 times over the past 16 years.

Spain legend Xavi finished third behind Messi on three occasions, while team-mate Andres Iniesta was runner-up to the Argentine in 2010.

"I think Rodri perfectly represents City, but also Spanish football and their influence in world football," said Guardiola.

"In the last 10, 15 years it has been massively important - not just winning trophies but the way they play.

"Maybe in that moment Xavi and Iniesta deserved it as well. I think maybe Rodri gets what Spanish football deserves."