Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer both agree EPL star should win Ballon d'Or

Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have tipped Manchester City midfielder Rodri to win the Ballon d'Or.

The Spaniard enjoyed another sensational year for club and country. Rodri, 28, won the Premier League for the fourth consecutive time, tasted more success at Euro 2024 and also extended his unbeaten streak across 90 minutes of football to 18 months.

He has not been on the losing side of a team in normal time since March 2023, when Scotland beat Spain 2-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying. The ex-Atletico Madrid star will be battling with Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, while Lionel Messi may also be an outside shout to win the award for a ninth time having lifted the Copa America with Argentina in the summer.

Despite the strong competition, Shearer and Lineker thinks it would be a travesty if Rodri is not the one holding the award in the Parisian ceremony on October 28.

While speaking with Micah Richards on the Rest is Football podcast, the trio were asked who they believe will win the Ballon d'Or. Almost simultaneously, Shearer and Lineker both said Rodri. The Newcastle United legend said: "It can only be him," as Richards and Lineker agreed.

The latter added: "I think Rodri deserves it. They did not win the Champions League at City, but they did win the league and then the Euros with Spain, when he was very much their leader."

He also tipped Rodri's Spanish colleague Lamine Yamal to scoop up an award of his own for the next few years. The ex-Barcelona and Tottenham star said: "I think young player of the year, I have a feeling, will be Lamine Yamal. He could win that for the next five years.”

Guardiola also backed his defensive midfield maestro to scoop up the coveted award in the French capital. During his press conference previewing City's recent victory over West Ham United, Guardiola said: "We would be delighted - he deserves it.

"But maybe another one deserves it too. The people will vote. Rodri has done not just one season, many seasons really good and the previous season was really good with the Premier League and the Euros winning with Spain.

"But there are other players who had a good season. I would love one [City] player to win it because for players it means a lot. I would love it.

"But I’ve said many times, just being in contention and being there means the club - individually and collectively - has done a good season. There are a lot of good teams with good players, hopefully it happens but it is not in my hands.”

While he is known for his ability to control a game and dominate the midfield, Rodri also had a hand in many goals for his club. He contributed nine goals and 14 assists in all competitions, including eight goals and nine assists in 34 Premier League matches.

Rodri is yet to appear for City this season as he is still shaking off an injury he suffered against England in the Euro 2024 final. However, City have managed well without him, securing three convincing victories over Chelsea, Ipswich Town and West Ham in their opening three matches.