PARIS — Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world on Monday, beating Brazil’s Vinicius, Jr. and England’s Jude Bellingham, both of Real Madrid, to the prestigious prize.
Barcelona’s Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women’s award for a second time.
Rodri, a first-time winner of the award, was instrumental in helping his team win an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League trophy last season. He was also named best player at this year’s European Championship after Spain lifted a record-extending fourth title. — Reuters
