“He deserved it more than Vinicius” – Barca star on Rodri’s Ballon d’Or success

There has been plenty of reaction to the Ballon d’Or result from Monday, which saw Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri Hernandez edge out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior for the 2024 award. The latest person within football to have their say on the matter is Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez, who has been an international teammate of Rodri’s in recent years.

Speaking to Sport, Martinez took a diplomatic approach, although he admitted that he was very happy to see Rodri crowned as the winner.

“In the end, everyone has their own way of thinking. There are 100 journalists who vote and if they voted for Rodri because they believe that he deserved it more than Vinicius. I’m happy for Rodri, I know him and the truth is that seeing him there with a Ballon d’Or made me happy. I hope to continue seeing him for many years up there too.”

Martinez also spoke on another winner from the Ballon d’Or ceremony: Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old Barcelona sensation took home the Kopa Trophy on Monday.

“Lamine is a differential player, a player who is rarely seen and having him with us is a joy. Many balls pass through him, he generates a lot of nervousness in the opponent and you can see it. He also doesn’t tremble, he has “la pausa”, he generates chances, he scores important goals… For us he is a fundamental player, he still has a long way to go and we hope that he continues to improve and see him lift a Ballon d’Or one day.”