Ballon d'Or: Pep Guardiola Names Who Should Win Prestigious Award This Year

• Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up on the player should win the Ballon d'Or this year
• Football stars like Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, and Vinicius Jr are all vying for the prestigious award
• The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France, on October 28

Pep Guardiola has endorsed Manchester City star Rodri for the Ballon d'Or after an exceptional year.

The 28-year-old was instrumental in City's fourth consecutive Premier League title and continued his impressive form by helping Spain win Euro 2024.

Guardiola backs Rodri for Ballon d'Or

The Spaniard played all but one match in the tournament, including the 2-1 victory over England in the final, where goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal secured Spain's third European championship, per the BBC.

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Speaking at a press conference in North Carolina, Guardiola expressed his support for Rodri as a Ballon d'Or contender.

"When I watched Spain, I saw the same high level of performance Rodri has shown for years. His consistency is remarkable. Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Ferran [Torres]... they were all outstanding, and I'm delighted for them," Guardiola said via Diario AS..

"There are several candidates for the Ballon d'Or from teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City. Seeing Rodri in the race would be fantastic for him, his family, friends, and of course, Manchester City. We are incredibly proud," he added.

Guardiola is not alone in his praise for Rodri. Per The Mirror, Manchester City teammate Rico Lewis also believes Rodri deserves to be the first Premier League player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 to win the Ballon d'Or.

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Rodri was named Player of Euro 2024, bolstering his Ballon d'Or credentials.

Rodri challenges Vinicius, Bellingham

Last season, Rodri made 50 appearances for Manchester City, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists, leading to his fourth Premier League title.

His performances have attracted attention, with Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing him this summer.

Los Blancos stars Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham are also expected to be among the Ballon d'Or contenders.

Messi snubs Bellingham for Ballon d’Or

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lionel Messi has excluded Jude Bellingham from the 2024 Ballon d'Or race while electing Vinicius and Mbappe as favourites.

The England midfielder, who had a stellar debut season with Real Madrid, is expected to provide stiff competition to whoever is in the running for the prize.

Source: YEN.com.gh