Rodri won the Ballon d’Or ahead of popular candidate and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior for the first time in 2024.
By Kehinde Okeowo
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has named Manchester City midfielder Rodri as his favourite player to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
He tipped the former Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder for the highly coveted award during a recent interview/media interaction.
In 2024, Rodri won the prize ahead of popular candidate and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
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However, Tebas has predicted that the Spanish international is likely to pick up his second Ballon d’Or next month.
According to the LaLiga chief, Rodri’s performances at the 2026 World Cup make him the clear frontrunner for the accolade over other contenders.
Speaking on the possible winner of this year’s award, the 64-year-old football administrator said, “Even though he was out for long periods due to injury, at the World Cup he played at an incredibly high level.
“I think Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or again.”
