In the high-stakes world of football’s most coveted individual honour, the Ballon d’Or, the path to triumph is rarely straightforward. The 2024 award proved particularly contentious, with Lionel Messi openly backing a different candidate, only for Rodri to claim the prize amidst significant controversy. Fast forward to 2026, and Rodri has silenced many critics, captaining Spain to World Cup glory and cementing his place among the game’s elite.

Messi’s 2024 Ballon d’Or choice

Before the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on October 28, eight-time winner Lionel Messi made his preference clear, advocating for his compatriot Lautaro Martinez. “He had a spectacular year, he scored in the final, he was the top scorer in the Copa America. He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else,” Messi stated, as reported by GOAL. At 27 years old in October 2024, Martinez had indeed enjoyed a stellar season:

• Scored a 112th-minute winner against Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final, a match Argentina won despite losing Messi to injury just after the hour-mark.

• Earned the Golden Boot award in the 2024 Copa America with five goals.

• Netted 24 times as Inter won the Scudetto in 2024, with the club sitting second in Serie A, two points behind Napoli, by October 2024.

• Despite these achievements, Martinez ultimately finished seventh in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, a result that starkly contrasted with Messi’s public endorsement.

Rodri’s controversial 2024 triumph and injury setback

The 2024 Ballon d’Or was ultimately awarded to Rodri, a decision that sparked considerable debate. The controversy intensified when Real Madrid players and staff reportedly boycotted the France Football event after Rodri overtook their star, Vinicius Junior, as the leading contender in October. Rodri’s win acknowledged his pivotal role in Manchester City’s historic treble in the 2022/23 season, which included scoring the winning goal in the club’s first-ever Champions League triumph. He also contributed to four top-flight titles alongside Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

However, the timing of his 2024 award was complicated by a significant injury. In September 2024, just a month before the ceremony, Rodri ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), casting a shadow over his immediate future and raising questions about his readiness for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

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A World Cup redemption for Rodri

Despite the severe ACL injury, Rodri embarked on a rigorous recovery. Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who left his post before the 2026 World Cup, had expressed unwavering faith in his midfielder’s return to form. “It’s not about six months, seven months, eight months, then ‘I’ll play and be the Rodri I was before’. No, Rodri will be good in the World Cup. In the World Cup he will be the best Rodri,” Guardiola had stated ahead of the tournament, according to GiveMeSport.

Guardiola’s prediction proved prophetic. Rodri not only recovered but thrived on the biggest stage. He captained Spain to glory at the 2026 World Cup, a monumental achievement that saw him also claim the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, still registered 12 goal contributions at the 2026 World Cup, showcasing his enduring class. Rodri, now a World Cup winner and Golden Ball recipient, is deservedly one of the favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, marking a remarkable journey from controversial winner to undisputed champion.

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