Manchester City’s Rodri awarded Ballon d’Or as he faces lengthy recovery

Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, known as Rodri, has been awarded the prestigious Ballon d’Or, recognizing him as the year’s top footballer.

He is currently sidelined for the entirety of the 2024/25 season following a serious knee injury sustained during a match against Arsenal on September 22. The injury involved a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) along with meniscus damage, which required surgery on September 27.

Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Rodri’s recovery is expected to take approximately eight to nine months, a timeline that will see him miss not only crucial club matches but also potential international appearances. Recovery from an ACL injury can typically take anywhere from six months to a year, and Guardiola has emphasized the challenge this presents for the team.

Rodri’s absence is a significant blow to Manchester City, which is vying for its fifth consecutive Premier League title. His contributions on the field have been invaluable, and the team’s performance has historically dipped without him. Guardiola acknowledged that while Rodri is irreplaceable, the squad must adapt to fill the gap left by his injury.

This incident raises ongoing concerns about player welfare, especially in light of the increasingly congested football schedule, a point that Rodri had previously criticized. His injury not only affects Manchester City’s title hopes but also highlights the physical toll that modern football demands of its players.

In the 2023-2024 season, Rodri showcased exceptional form, playing 63 matches for both club and country, contributing eight goals and nine assists. He played a pivotal role in leading Manchester City to a Premier League championship and their success in both the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. His performance also helped the Spanish national team secure victory at Euro 2024, where he was named Player of the Tournament.