Rodrigo Hernández won his first Ballon d’Or and the first in Spanish football 64 years later. The Spanish national team and the Manchester City footballer made history in Paris and wanted to remember all the Spanish midfielders who managed to win it, like Iniesta or Xavi Hernández.
“It’s an incredible evening for me. I would like to speak in Spanish. I have a lot of things to thank a lot of people for. First at UEFA Already France Football to be here. I want to thank everyone who voted for me. This is a very special day for my country. The most special person in my life is my girlfriend. To my family, of course, for all the values they passed on to me. I play football for love. Also to my agent Pablo, who would tell us that we would be there today. Thanks also to the rest of my family and friends. I don’t want to forget my Manchester City teammates either. Rúben Dias, thank you for being here. I’m at the best club in the world. Thanks also to the national team. Thank you Luis for trusting me. And I want to remember Dani Carvajal, who could have perfectly won the Ballon d’Or. And Lamine, you’ll win it in no time. And it’s a victory for Spanish football. Because of Xavi or Iniesta, who couldn’t win. “I give visibility to all these midfielders that we have had for so many years,” Rodri began by emphasizing at the top of the stage.
“At 17, I packed my bags to realize my dream of playing in the First Division. One day I said enough was enough. I called my father crying with the feeling that everything was over. My father told me that if we had made it this far, we weren’t going to give up. A boy with values who doesn’t focus on stereotypes can rise to the top. “Proud to be named the best player in the world,” said the Spanish player after winning his first Ballon d’Or.
“I always try to improve day by day. I realized that if I wanted to improve, I had to change my style. And I did it. A modern midfield position. We have to be like an attacking striker,” said Rodrigo Hernández.
“I try to be the best person every day. Also a leader. And I always try to give the best of myself. I am a very calm person. Injuries are part of sport. This is the first time this has happened to me in my career. I try to rest and be positive. I’m going to celebrate this Ballon d’Or with the people who love me. “I’m going to sleep with him in bed,” commented the Manchester City midfielder.
Rodri also spoke about the players he beat, like Vinicius and Jude Bellingham: “Indeed, it is a very special victory. All the players around me are magnificent. “It’s an honor to be chosen ahead of such fantastic players.”
