Ex-Super Eagles coach makes case for Manchester City star Rodri in Ballon d’Or race

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has showed support for Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Ballon d’Or discussion has started to heat up since the end of the 2023/2024 campaign. Real Madrid stars Vinicius junior and Jude Bellingham seemed to be leading the race for the award at the end of the season. They led Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League title and the Laliga title last season.

However, the status quo changed after the two international competitions this summer. Rodri put up a solid performance to help Spain claim the trophy, while Lionel Messi helped Argentina lift their second consecutive Copa America trophy.

Following Spain’s victory at the Euros, Rodri has emerged as a top contender for the Ballon d’Or because aside from his performance for his country,  he also had an impressive season with Manchester City, playing an important role in their Premier League success.

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh, who was also a top midfielder in his playing days recognizes Rodri’s performance for Manchester City and Spain. On Social media, Oliseh responded to a post endorsing Rodri for the Ballon d’Or award with, “Do we need say more? Rodri is in a class of his own”.

The Ballon d’Or award ceremony takes place later in October, and it promises to be a tight race. But currently, the frontrunners seem to be Vinicius junior, Bellingham, and Rodri.