• Rodri, new recipient of the Ballon d’Or, made a future projection on who will win the coveted prize
• The Man City star made the showing straight after beating Vinicius Junior for the Golden Ball Award on Monday night.
• He becomes the first Premier League player to win this prestigious award since Cristiano Ronaldo won the feat in 2008.

Manchester City midfield maestro Rodrigo Cascante has named the player he believes is set to win the Ballon d’Or in years to come.

A central force behind the two City Premier League triumph and victory for Spain at Euro 2024, Rodri narrowly edged out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior by a margin of 16 points to win football’s highest individual honour.

Rodri ahead of Vinicius and others

In a competitive line-up, Jude Bellingham secured third place, Dani Carvajal followed in fourth, while Kylian Mbappe placed sixth.

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Ballon d’Or 2024: Rodri beats Vinicius to win coveted prize in Paris

However, the results sparked controversy at Real Madrid, where many believe Vinicius was unfairly overlooked.

Dissatisfied with the organizers of UEFA and the Ballon d’Or, The Whites abstained from attending the ceremony, leading the Brazilian to cancel the planned celebration.

Madrid’s absence underlines their frustration, with sources saying they perceive the decision as an affront from UEFA.

Rodri sets record after Ballon d’Or success

According to Football SpainRodri’s distinction not only makes him the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d’Or, but also makes him the seventh Premier League star and the fourth Spaniard to achieve the distinction.

He follows in the footsteps of Spanish legends like Luis Suarez Miramontes, winner in 1960, and joins recent winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, who retained the women’s title this year.

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Ballon d’Or: Lamine Yamal wins the Kopa trophy for the best young player in the world

Rodri predicts future Ballon d’Or winner

Looking ahead, Rodri, 28, shared his prediction on which rising star could succeed him for the award.

“Lamine Yamal will win the Ballon d’Or very soon, I am convinced,” he said, reported by Fabrizio Romano.

“Keep it up, keep working hard and you will get there.”

This endorsement from the current Ballon d’Or recipient highlights Yamal’s burgeoning talent, pointing to a future where this young phenom could join the ranks of football’s elite.

Lamine Yamal wins the Kopa Trophy

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal marked a new milestone in his burgeoning career in win the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday.

The 17-year-old Spain international was honored on Monday at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.

Lamine Yamal “destroyed” with Bayern Munich

Previously, Legit.ng highlighted the resounding victory against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

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Surprise Ballon d’Or winner emerges in ‘leaked’ result as Ademola Lookman misses out on top 15

The 17-year-old shone during his 85 minutes on the pitch, captivating fans with his lightning-fast footwork and pace that left defenders trailing.

Source: YEN.com.gh