Enough of Messi and Ronaldo-types? Manchester City's Rodri believes a defensive midfielder should win the Ballon d'Or

In an exclusive interview with Rodri-manchester-city-la-liga-et-la-premier-league-sont-quasiment-des-sports-differents/1452782">France Football, Manchester City's Rodri, aged 27, shares his thoughts on the Ballon d'Or and his aspirations for defensive players in football's most prestigious award.

Since his transfer from Atlético de Madrid to Manchester City in 2019 for a €70 million fee, Rodri has earned widespread recognition as one of the best defensive midfielders in the game. His ability to control the tempo of play, both in possession and out, has become indispensable in Pep Guardiola's system and for the Spain national team.

Rodri's versatility was evident during the 2022 World Cup, where Spain's coach, Luis Enrique, entrusted him with a key role in the center-back pairing. His adeptness at building from the back proved vital to the team's ambitions, showcasing his influence beyond his primary position.

Despite defensive players historically receiving less recognition in individual awards, Rodri remains hopeful for a change. He dreams of a defensive midfielder winning the Ballon d'Or, emphasizing the significance it would hold for players in similar roles. Rodri expresses his desire, stating, "We all dream of it… I would love it if a defensive midfielder like me could win it, it would mean a lot."

Rodri sees a potential Ballon d'Or victory for a defensive midfielder as an acknowledgment of excellence beyond scoring goals or flashy actions. He believes such recognition would inspire young players aspiring to play similar roles on the field.

While recognizing the rarity of defensive players winning the Ballon d'Or, Rodri remains optimistic about the possibility of change. The last defensive player to win the award was Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, followed by Matthias Sammer in 1996. Rodri acknowledges the significance of his current ranking, remarking, "Imagine, I can say that I am the fifth-best player in the world."

Rodri's comments highlight the desire for greater recognition of defensive players in football's most prestigious individual award. As he continues to excel on the field, Rodri hopes for a shift in the perception of defensive roles, ultimately paving the way for future generations of players to be celebrated for their contributions to the game.