Ilkay Gündogan, a teammate of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri at Manchester City, took to writing to congratulate Rodri after the Spaniard's win. Gündogan is pleased with the victory of a defensively-minded player.
The Ballon d'Or, one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, has historically recognized attacking players, who captivate audiences and dominate headlines with goals, assists, and flair.
Since its inception, the award has overwhelmingly gone to forwards and attacking midfielders, underscoring a bias towards offensive prowess. Notably, only once has the prize been awarded to a goalkeeper Lev Yashin in 1963 and a select few defenders, mainly those with an attacking edge, have received the honor. As a result, the careers of legendary attackers like Lionel Messi, who holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or wins, and Cristiano Ronaldo, another frequent recipient, have shaped the award’s reputation as a forward-dominated honor.
This context makes Rodri’s achievement on Monday evening particularly exceptional, as he now stands among the rare defensively-minded players to win the Golden Ball. His accomplishment has drawn admiration from fans, analysts, and fellow players alike, including his Manchester City teammate Ilkay Gündogan. Gündogan expressed his pride in Rodri’s success on social media platform X, stating, “As of today, he is finally no longer underrated. From my perspective, this is more than deserved. I am especially happy that someone in a defensive position has won this title and not, as always, the attacking players.” Gündogan’s words capture the sentiment shared by many who appreciate the often-overlooked contributions of defensive players. He emphasized Rodri’s value to Manchester City and Spain, praising him as “the perfect midfielder” and noting that “there is no one better in his position.” He also highlighted Rodri’s development over the past few years, which has transformed him into a critical asset for both club and country.
Rodri's journey to the pinnacle of world football began in Spain, where he initially played for Villarreal. His move to Atlético Madrid marked the beginning of his rise as a defensive midfielder with exceptional tactical awareness, passing accuracy, and the ability to control the tempo of the game. In 2019, Manchester City secured his transfer, and under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, Rodri evolved into a complete midfielder. Last season, he achieved a remarkable double, winning both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League with City, while also playing a crucial role in Spain’s victory at the UEFA European Championship. His contributions in these tournaments were instrumental, especially in midfield, where he dictated play, broke down opposition attacks, and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Rodri’s win represents more than personal success; it highlights a growing recognition of defensive roles in modern football. Defensive midfielders like Rodri are vital to the structure and success of their teams, acting as the link between defense and attack, controlling possession, and providing a sense of stability and discipline. His Ballon d'Or win has sparked a broader discussion about the value of defensive positions and their impact on the game. Many fans and pundits view his victory as a refreshing departure from the usual pattern of attackers winning the Ballon d'Or, as it acknowledges that defensive contributions are just as valuable in shaping a team’s success.
Looking ahead, Rodri’s Ballon d'Or win could inspire a shift in how the football world perceives individual awards. While attackers will likely continue to dominate the spotlight, Rodri’s achievement underscores that true excellence can emerge from any position on the field. Gündogan’s pride in his teammate’s accomplishment is not just a testament to Rodri’s skills but also a celebration of a more inclusive perspective on football greatness, where every role has the potential to shine on the world stage.
