Not Bellingham nor Vinicius, the unexpected player that can win the Ballon D'or after the Euros and Copa America finals

The summer international tournaments are over, as the EUROS 2024 and the 2024 Copa America finals were played yesterday. Not only were they both eventful tournaments, but it was a great way to find out who could potentially win the Ballon d'Or.

After the club football season ended, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. were the two favorites to win the award after their season with Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti instructions. They both won La Liga, the Spanish super cup and the UCL. Vinicius even scored a goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

If either player were to win their respective competitions with their national teams, it would have put them as the ideal candidate to win the prestigious award later this year. Bellingham nor Vinicius won with their national team, and now a new player could be ahead of them in the race for the Ballon d’Or award.

Rodri won the EUROS with Spain and was named the best player of the tournament. It may be a recent bias, but the Spanish midfielder may now win the award later this year for his past years being very successful. GOAL reported the list of players that are leading the rankings for the Ballon D’Or and Rodri is above Vinicius and Bellingham.

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Rodri’s manager at the Spanish national team, Luis De la Fuente, spoke highly about Rodri and believes that he should win the Ballon d’Or, especially after his performances with Spain at the EUROS. De La Fuente said, “Rodri has to be the Ballon d’Or. Give it to him, please. He’s simply the best player in the world.”

Rodri played and started in six of Spain’s matches at the EUROS. He scored one goal in the competition against Georgia in the 4-1 win in the Round of 16. Rodri delivered in all of the matches for Spain and remains undefeated with his national team. Rodri played 45 minutes in the EURO final against England as he was subbed off due to an injury.

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Rodri’s insane record in the past tournaments

Rodri not only has impressed on the field and has had a great record with Manchester City and Spain but he has the awards to show it. Rodri won the player of the tournament awards in four different competitions since the start of last year. He won the award at the Champions League 22/23 season, the 2023 Nations League, the FIFA Club World Cup 2023, and the EUROS 2024.