Rodrigo: Early life, records broken and other amazing facts about Spain’s 3rd Ballon d’Or winner

• Rodrigo Hernández has won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, marking him as Manchester City's first recipient of this prestigious award
• Known for his exceptional midfield versatility, Rodri has been key to City's recent successes, including their historic Champions League win
• TheRadar has compiled below other facts that will interest you about the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner

In 2024, Rodrigo  Cascante Hernández stands at the pinnacle of world football, taking home the coveted Ballon d'Or and proving to the world his ability as a midfield powerhouse. 

Known for his calmness under pressure, tactical versatility, and relentless work ethic, Rodri has become Manchester City’s bedrock, orchestrating plays with precision from the front of the defence line and taking out opponents at every turn. This year, Rodri’s evolution from a reliable team player into a globally recognised leader shows his mastery on the field.

From his never-ending drive to stay fit and learn from each game to his multilingual abilities and role within the Spanish national team, every aspect of Rodri’s journey has brought him closer to this crowning achievement. Let's delve into some interesting facts about the player.

30 facts about Rodri, Man City’s first Ballon d’Or winner

TheRadar has compiled below 30 facts about Rodri Hernández:

1. Rodri’s age and role: At 28, Rodri is celebrated as one of football’s premier defensive midfielders.

2. Ballon d’Or triumph: Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, marking him as the first Manchester City player to claim this honour.

3. Spanish history: He is the first Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or in 64 years, following Luis Suárez in 1960.

4. Modest salary: Despite his prominence, Rodri earns around £11.4 million per year at Manchester City.

5. Career earnings: His career overall earnings are estimated at approximately £50 million.

6. European titles: His resume boasts a Champions League title, UEFA Super Cup, and several Premier League titles.

7. World Cup goal: Rodri has yet to win a World Cup, the final accolade missing from his achievements.

8. First season impact: During his debut season with Man City, he scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final.

9. Record unbeaten streak: Rodri went unbeaten in 50 consecutive Premier League games as of May 2024.

10. Academic dedication: Rodri pursued a degree in Business Administration at Jaume I University in Spain.

11. Student life: He lived in a university residence and cycled to training during his time at Villarreal.

12. Youthful beginnings: He began his football journey in Atletico Madrid's academy but was released at 16 years of age due to his slender stature.

13. Villarreal progression: Rodri left Atletico in 2013 to develop his game further at Villarreal’s academy.

14. Return to Atletico: Rodri rejoined Atletico Madrid in 2018 for a 25 million Euros..

15. Manchester City move: He joined Manchester City in 2019 for around 70 million Euros, quickly becoming a vital part of the squad.

16. 2023 Super Cup victory: He played a key role in Man City’s first-ever UEFA Super Cup win.

17. Versatility: Known for his adaptability, Rodri can cover various midfield roles as needed.

18. Multilingual ability: Rodri speaks both English and Spanish very fluently.

19. Consistent playmaker: In the 2023-24 season, he recorded his highest contribution with six goals and three assists.

20. Champions League win: He scored the only goal in the 2023 Champions League final, helping City secure their first title.

21. FA Cup triumph: Rodri won the FA Cup with City in the 2022–23 season.

22. Goal contribution milestone: Rodri had his best season in terms of goal contributions in the 2023/2024 season where he scored 9 goals and made 14 assists in 50 appearances.

23. Educational drive: Rodri is one of the few elite footballers who continued university education alongside his career.

24. Close derby victory: He was always part of the squad that defeated local rival United to claim multiple domestic trophies.

25. Under-19 success: Rodri won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with Spain in 2015.

26. Tactical awareness: His ability to read the game makes him a constant threat on the pitch and a regular starter under Pep Guardiola.

27. National pride: Rodri won the UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 titles with Spain.

28. Social media aversion: Known for his privacy, Rodri doesn’t engage much with social media.

29. Relationship: Known to be private, little is known about his family life beyond his relationship with a woman named Laura.

30. Injury record: In September 2024, he sustained an ACL injury and will be out until next season, marking his first significant setback since joining City and will be the longest in his career.

Ballon d’Or rankings place Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman in 14th position

Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles Ademola Lookman earned a spot among the elite, finishing 14th in the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings. 

The Super Eagles and Atalanta forward final standing was announced during the ceremony in Paris on Monday Evening, October 27, marking his first-ever nomination in the race for football’s highest individual accolade. This accolade proves Lookman’s place on the global stage after an exceptional year showing his talent and consistency.