Rodri won the Ballon d'Or, but a former Prem star thinks Cole Palmer deserved it more. (Image: Getty)
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has been replaced by a former Premier League star who believes Cole Palmer should have won the award instead.
Rodri was the surprise winner at Monday night's ceremony in Paris, with Vinicius Junior entering the week as favorite to win the award.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, it was revealed on Monday afternoon that the entire Real Madrid delegation, including Vini Jr, had snubbed the event after learning their main man had not won the Ballon d 'Gold.
That accolade went to Manchester City's Rodri, who, after a winning season in the Premier League and Euro 2024, was officially named the world's best player.
But despite the various team and individual accolades Rodri has won during the 2023/24 season, former Tottenham ace Jamie O'Hara claims former City Academy graduate Palmer, who ranked 25th overall, should have won the main prize instead.
Commenting after the 28-year-old received the trophy, O'Hara told talkSPORT: “Rodri is a brilliant player, so important to the team. It doesn't win you football games. He's a system player, he plays in a system that Pep has put in place and he plays it among the best in the world.
“He’s a fantastic football player, but individual awards are reserved for players who win football games like Vinicius Junior, like Harry Kane, like Cole Palmer.”
It's a somewhat surprising comment given that Rodri, who scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final, had established himself as one of City's most important players before suffering a bone injury. LCA.
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Rodri finished ahead of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. (Image: Getty)
The Spaniard won four club and country trophies last season while losing just one match in all competitions.
He also played for Spain at the Euros, not only winning the competition in Germany but also being named player of the tournament.
In total, for club and country, Rodri has scored 12 goals and registered an impressive 15 assists throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
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The Spaniard won four club and country trophies last season while losing just one match in all competitions.
He also played for Spain at the Euros, not only winning the competition in Germany but also being named player of the tournament.
In total, for club and country, Rodri has scored 12 goals and registered an impressive 15 assists throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1968531/rodri-ballon-dor-cole-palmer-2024