After a season that finally won the World Cup, Lionel Messi took home his eighth Ballon d'Or after receiving the 2023 award in Paris in October.
Now the world of football has long since moved on, however, and now the debate is raging as we gradually move towards knowing the identity of the 2024 winner.
According to the prestigious "Goal", the Ballon d'Or will continue to stay in Europe. Now there is a new contender, Rodri, the Spain midfielder and Manchester City star.
The Spaniard has posted the two stars of Real Madrid in the race for the Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
Even the coach of Spain, Luis De La Fuente, thinks that the "Golden Ball" should be won by midfielder Rodri.
The coach of the Iberians spoke with superlatives about his footballer, whom he called the best in the world.
"Rodri should be the winner of the Golden Ball. Give it to him, please! He is simply the best footballer in the world", said De La Fuente after winning the European Championship.
Rodri was a key point for Spain at Euro 2024, where he often appeared decisive in the background, but also in attack.
The midfielder for several years has become a very important player for Manchester City as well, with the "citizens" who, in the absence of the Spaniard, have often had problems and found it difficult to get results.
He remains the best defensive midfielder in the world at the moment, and the Spaniard has also developed a habit of scoring crucial goals and assists.
In 2023-24 Rodri scored 12 goals and 15 assists. Won Euro 2024, Premier League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup
The "Golden Ball" ceremony for 2024 will be held on October 28 and there is still no absolute favorite to receive it as a prize.