Rodri picks out 'unbelievable' Spain star as next winner of Ballon d’Or as Manchester City star continues return at Club World Cup
Updated 26/06/2025 at 16:30 GMT+1
Spanish midfielder Rodri expects one of his compatriots to succeed him in the race for the Ballon d'Or and has pointed to Pedri as a main contender, along with Lamine Yamal, to win the prestigious award. The Manchester City star has been talking about his excitement at returning to team training at the Club World Cup after the serious knee injury that has kept him out of action since September.
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Rodri has backed Pedri, as well as the young forward Lamine Yamal, to succeed him as the next Ballon d’Or winner, stating that the Barcelona midfielder has been "unbelievable" this year.
While he was keen to note his support of fellow compatriots as contenders for the award amid speculation among football’s elite, the 2024 winner has been out of contention since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury in September.
When asked who he thought would win the Ballon d’Or, Rodri told Sky Sports: "This year? I don’t know, there are many, many options. I always rate my players, the Spanish ones. I think Pedri has been unbelievable this year, and Lamine also."
Not wanting to give too much away, he added: "I don’t know, I’m not the judge. Let’s see what happens."
After rejoining his Manchester City team-mates in training at the Club World Cup, he spoke of his excitement at returning to the squad in his long road to recovery.
"I feel very, very strong, to be honest. The process was long, but I was taking my time.
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"The most important thing was to keep focused and be strong. Not be sad or whatever. One day, I'll come back, and this day has finally come and I'm very excited to play again."
However, he seemed to temper expectations of City fans by giving a realistic view of further months to go before he could regain his place in the team, as echoed by City manager Pep Guardiola, but he sees the Club World Cup as a stepping stone to getting back to his best.
"I know it's still going to be months until I reach my level, but I'm so happy. I feel very good, very happy to be here. It's an amazing tournament to start again to play football.
"I'm really excited to join the team again. To join them on the pitch is the most important thing. I'm very excited to work with them and win.
"Now it is a massive opportunity for me to come back."
Despite being an outspoken critic of an overburdened football schedule, he is a fan of the current tournament in the US: "Maybe if this tournament doesn't happen, I will be on holiday. But for me, individually, it's a great opportunity to come back at the highest level and play a tournament we never played.
"The idea is amazing, honestly. I think we're excited. You can see the difference between the clubs from all around the world. It's good and interesting for the people."
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