Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, has predicted that Manchester City’s Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, known as Rodri, will win the next Ballon d’Or award. The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 28, 2024, in Paris, France.
Mikel Obi, speaking on the Obi One Podcast, expressed his admiration for Rodri’s exceptional performances, stating, “The best player I think, for me, in my opinion, in the world now is Rodri.”
This endorsement comes after Rodri’s instrumental role in Manchester City’s 2023-24 Premier League title win and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Manchester City also made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League, narrowly losing to Champions Real Madrid in a very closely contested tie.
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Sunday Oliseh, Mikel’s former Super Eagles coach, also praised Rodri, saying, “Do we need to say more? Rodri is in a class of his own.” Oliseh’s comments emphasize Rodri’s outstanding contributions to his team’s success.
Rodri’s impressive displays have made him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or. His ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate the flow of play has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest midfielders in the world. His vision, passing range, and defensive skills have been instrumental in Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League and Champions League.
While the final decision will be revealed at the ceremony in October, Mikel Obi’s prediction has sparked debate among football fans. Some argue that other players, such as Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé, deserve the award. However, Rodri’s consistent performances and achievements make a strong case for his candidacy.
The Ballon d’Or award is given to the best player in the world, and Rodri’s exceptional form has made him a leading contender. Mikel Obi’s endorsement adds weight to Rodri’s claim, and football fans eagerly await the ceremony to see if his prediction comes true.
