Rodri Backs Lamine Yamal To Win Ballon D'or In Future

Rodri became the first Spanish player since 1960 to win football's most prestigious individual honour on Monday, beating Real Madrid pair Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham to the award.

Yamal was also awarded the Kopa Trophy as the best under-21 player in world football.

The 17-year-old is the youngest recipient of the award, having starred for Barcelona last season and helped Spain win EURO 2024.

Yamal finished eighth in the final rankings out of the 30 contenders.

Having shown such promise at an early age, Rodri, who is currently sidelined for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, is backing his compatriot to also win the Ballon D'or in future.

During his acceptance speech, Rodri made sure to acknowledge Spain's rising star, saying: "You will win one of these trophies one day my friend. "Keep working hard."

Yamal has scored six goals and provided seven assists in 14 appearances for Barcelona so far this season.