Rodri name-drops iconic Barcelona trio in Ballon d’Or speech | OneFootball

Manchester City star Rodri made use of the opportunity to reveal his admiration for a trio of former Barcelona midfielders, after securing the Ballon d’Or.

Spanish international Rodri is for his part of course fresh off a night to remember on Monday.

Long considered something of an outsider to lift the Ballon d’Or – handed to world football’s standout player on an annual basis – the 28-year-old in the end beat the likes of Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to the prize.

After taking his place on the podium to provide his acceptance speech, Rodri, in turn, was sure to reiterate his appreciation for those to have paved the way for his triumph.

Specifically, the former Villarreal man highlighted the contributions of legendary Barcelona midfielders Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, as well as ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas:

“This victory is not mine alone, but for all of Spanish football. This is for many players who did not get this award despite deserving it, such as Iniesta, Xavi, Iker (Casillas), and Busi (Busquets).”

Conor Laird – GSFN