Suárez, Spain's only Ballon d'Or winner before Rodri | OneFootball

Until today, there was only one: Luis Suárez Miramontes. Our Luisito. The only Spaniard to have won the Ballon d'Or, that is, until Rodri's crowning in Paris for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

For 64 years, Luisito held this incredible national record, and it's sad he’s no longer here today to bless this passing of the torch between Spanish midfielders.

Suárez's greatness was evident early on, even as a young boy. Nicknamed 'Maestro,' he soon began captivating coaches, both his own and opponents’. Born in 1935 in La Coruña, the son of a butcher and brother to two footballers, he made an unforgettable debut for Deportivo. Barcelona won 6-1, but everyone was talking about this midfielder with the elegant touch, who could use both feet. László Kubala, the formidable Hungarian forward who would later become his teammate, remarked at the end of the match, “This young man will go far”.

Over the years, adjectives and nicknames kept coming for Suárez. He was the architect of the game—there was no debate about that. Then he became known as the 'Golden Boy,' the 'Pibe de Oro.' This was largely due to his time at Barcelona, where he met the legendary coach Helenio Herrera and began building a career filled with incredible success. In 1960 came immediate recognition: the Ballon d'Or, followed by a move to Inter the following year.

Everything about Suárez made headlines: his skill on the pitch, certainly, but also the money Inter paid to bring him to Milano, a sum that allowed Barcelona to complete the Camp Nou. At Inter, he aimed to conquer the world, with Herrera once again guiding him. Luisito would call for the ball and, without apparent effort, send it perfectly to his teammates in stride. Light dribbling, exceptional vision, assists, and goals. Both a playmaker and attacking midfielder, a flawless style of play dedicated to the team.

With the crowning of Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, the Manchester City midfielder born in Madrid on 22 June 1996, Spain celebrates its second Ballon d'Or winner in history. Another player who commands the midfield, continuing the tradition of a country that has given football boundless talent and inspiring icons. It all began with Luis Suárez Miramontes.