Manchester City midfielder Rodri has shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2025 Ballon d’Or, tipping two players from Luis Enrique’s UEFA Champions League-winning Paris Saint-Germain side as potential winners of the prestigious award.
Rodri’s Journey to Ballon d’Or Glory
The Spaniard made history last year when he became the first Manchester City player to lift the Ballon d’Or. His triumph came off the back of a stellar 2023/24 season, where he spearheaded City to a fourth successive Premier League title and guided Spain to UEFA Euro 2024 glory, where he was also named the tournament’s best player.
However, since that high, Rodri has endured a difficult period marked by an ACL injury that sidelined him for nine months. His absence was sorely felt by Pep Guardiola’s side, as City struggled through one of their most challenging seasons in a decade, failing to retain the Premier League and losing the 2025 FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.
Mixed Fortunes at Manchester City
City also exited the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16 to Real Madrid, with Rodri watching on for much of the campaign. Now back fit, he has featured in recent defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, though Guardiola is expected to carefully manage his minutes after such a prolonged layoff.
The reigning Ballon d’Or holder will enjoy just two more weeks with the crown before the new winner is announced at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, 22 September 2025.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or Picks
Speaking ahead of Spain’s emphatic 6-0 win over Andorra, where he featured in a 20-minute cameo, Rodri praised his former national team coach Luis Enrique and named his top picks for the award:
“It’d be hard not to give it to someone from that PSG team. I’m happy for Luis Enrique. I’d like to see Lamine (Yamal) or Pedri win for my affinity with them, but on sporting merit, (Ousmane) Dembélé or Vitinha.”
Rodri’s endorsement reflects the dominance of PSG under Enrique, who delivered a historic treble in the 2024/25 campaign. Both Dembélé and Vitinha were standout performers in their European triumph and are widely expected to be among the frontrunners on awards night.
FAQs
- Who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or?
Manchester City’s Rodri became the first player in the club’s history to win the award in 2024.
- Who are Rodri’s favourites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or?
Rodri highlighted PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha as his leading picks.
- When will the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner be announced?
The ceremony will take place on Monday, 22 September 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
- How has Rodri performed recently?
Rodri has only just returned from a serious ACL injury and has featured in City’s recent matches, though Guardiola is managing his minutes carefully.
- Why does Rodri favour PSG players?
He believes their Champions League-winning campaign under Luis Enrique deserves recognition, with Dembélé and Vitinha shining brightest.
Conclusion
As the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony draws closer, Rodri’s backing of PSG stars Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha highlights the dominance of Luis Enrique’s treble-winning side. While his affinity lies with fellow Spaniards Lamine Yamal and Pedri, the Manchester City midfielder believes PSG’s success on the biggest stage gives their stars the edge. City fans, meanwhile, will hope Rodri’s return to full fitness can spark a revival for Guardiola’s side after a difficult start to the season.
