Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer & Micah Richards all agree on 2024 Ballon d’Or winner
Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have thrown their weight behind Manchester City maestro Rodri for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
The Spanish sensation has been one of the best players in the world, having won his fourth consecutive Premier League title and Euro 2024 with Spain. Rodri, 28, hasn’t lost a football match over 90 minutes since he was at the heart of Spain’s 2-0 away loss to Scotland in March 2023.
He will be up against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham when football’s ultimate individual award is decided. Yet, Shearer, Lineker and Richards believe Rodri will become the first Spaniard to win the Ballon d’Or since Luis Suarez in 1960.
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While talking amongst themselves on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: “It can only be him. Lineker added: “I think Rodri deserves it.
“They did not win the Champions League at City, but they did win the league and then the Euros with Spain, when he was very much their leader.” Ex-City defender Richards would also pick Rodri.
(Image: Getty Images)
And they are not the only ones who believe Rodri is the player who deserves to win. City boss Pep Guardiola lent his backing to the Spanish midfielder in a recent press conference.
The ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager said: “We would be delighted – he deserves it. But maybe another one deserves it too. The people will vote.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Rodri has done not just one season, many seasons really good and the previous season was really good with the Premier League and the Euros winning with Spain. But there are other players who had a good season. I would love one [City] player to win it because for players it means a lot. I would love it.
“But I’ve said many times, just being in contention and being there means the club – individually and collectively – has done a good season. There are a lot of good teams with good players, hopefully it happens but it is not in my hands.”
