“I’d award” – Fabio Capello selects Manchester City man as recipient of Ballon d’Or prize

Manchester City and Spain international Rodri would be the deserving recipient of the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, according to former England manager Fabio Capello.

The Spaniard, who endured yet another hugely successful individual and collective campaign last time around, was thrust firmly into the conversation for the Ballon d’Or prize over the course of the summer.

Having already won a Treble in 2022/23 with Manchester City, before claiming a fourth consecutive Premier League title for the club in the following campaign alongside a FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup double, international glory was next on his target list.

A European Championship success with Spain meant Rodri is now widely expected to be voted into the top-three for the Ballon d’Or prize this Autumn, alongside some of the best attacking names in the game at present.

For one iconic former England manager and Italian football legend, there is not even a debate as to who should be lifting the prize at the glistening ceremony later this year, publicly declaring his support for the Manchester City man at the awards.

Speaking during a recent conversation with Italian media outlet Il Corriere della Sera, as translated and relayed by Football Italia, former England boss Fabio Capello admits that Manchester City’s star defensive midfielder should be the recipient of the Ballon d’Or.

“I’d award Rodri for his performances in the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Euros,” Capello admitted. He continued, “He was the best this season.”

Rodri himself has already declared that winning the award would be a ‘dream’ for him this year, and a reflection of the hard work and tireless efforts that have gone into his profession over at least the last 20 years.

Speaking during a recent interview with ESPN, Rodri admitted: “In the street people say to me, you’re going to win the Ballon d’Or, you deserve it. For me, that means I’m already a winner. People believe I can be the best player in the world and telling me these things, it’s incredible.”

Rodri is likely to go head-to-head with the likes of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham for the top prize, whilst also being accompanied by the likes of Manchester City teammates Erling Haaland and Phil Foden in the nominations list.