Manchester City star Rodri reveals Ballon d’Or preference | OneFootball

Although FC Barcelona do not take the field today, this Monday night promises to be an exciting one for their fans as the football world turns its attention to Paris for the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Two Barça stars, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, are among the frontrunners for the prestigious award, while Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele is also strongly in contention.

Another Barcelona star, Pedri, is also among the nominees. However, his chances of winning are seen as slim, and the 22-year-old has opted not to attend the event in order to focus on the team’s demanding schedule.

The debate over who will be crowned has already sparked opinions from across the football world, with many greats of the game tipping Yamal as the favorite.

Adding further weight to the youngster’s candidacy, the current Ballon d’Or holder, Manchester City midfielder Rodri, publicly voiced his support.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Speaking after City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Spanish international said he hopes the trophy stays in Spanish hands:

“This year I’ll watch it on TV, but hopefully a teammate wins it — Lamine, Pedri, whoever it may be. I’d love it, it’s a football celebration and may the best man win.”

Rodri also underlined what a Yamal victory would mean for Spanish football, highlighting the strength of the current generation:

“It would be amazing, it would say a lot about the moment Spanish football is living. Hopefully it happens and many more come, because we’re in a very good period right now.”

If Yamal were to lift the Ballon d’Or, it would mark the first time Spain has produced back-to-back winners, following Rodri’s triumph in 2024.

For now, the spotlight rests firmly on Paris, where tonight’s ceremony will determine whether Barcelona’s young talisman Yamal, his teammate Raphinha, or PSG’s Dembele walks away with football’s most prestigious individual honor.

Still, receiving the backing of the current Ballon d’Or holder, Rodri, is certain to mean a great deal to the Barcelona wonderkid.