Man City Star Rodri Tipped to Upset Messi for Ballon d’Or Prize After Nations League Win With Spain

• Rodri has received massive support to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or
• The Man City midfield linchpin will face herculean competition from Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland
• He won the treble with the Citizens before helping Spain win the Nations League

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has garnered strong support in his pursuit of Ballon d'Or glory after an impressive campaign with club and country.

Rodri's remarkable achievements include scoring the winning goal for Man City in the Champions League final and securing his second trophy in just eight days by helping Spain claim the UEFA Nations League title.

His exceptional contributions were recognized when he was named Player of the Tournament for his commanding display in the 2-1 semi-final victory against Italy and his impressive performance in the final against Croatia, where he calmly converted his penalty kick to help La Roja triumph in a penalty shootout.

With his dazzling displays from the heart of midfield and his instrumental role in Man City's historic treble triumph, Rodri's name has emerged as a contender for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.

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It remains to be seen if the former Atletico Madrid man could usurp favourites Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland in the build-up to the 2023 gala slated for later this year.

Fans clamour for Rodri

Ghanaian sports journalist @_owurakuampofo argued:

"If Jorginho made the top 3 of the Ballon d’Or in 2021, then Rodri deserves the same or better this season."

Another user @oasys1489 added:

"He deserves the Balon d’Or and more. Very crucial in the teams he played in this season."

@DaroTunde believes Rodri deserves to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or prize:

"He even deserves the award, but unfortunately, the position he plays isn't favoured."

@wumbuni1 admitted he was not a fan of Rodri but endorsed the validity of his Ballon d'Or shout:

"I’m not a Rodri fan, but I agree."

@the_shirt_story adjudged the Manchester City star the best in his position:

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"Best CDM at the moment."

Rodri's Spain win Nations League

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Dani Carvajal chipped home a Panenka penalty to win Spain the Nations League on Sunday, with a 5-4 shoot-out victory over Croatia after a tense match finished 0-0 following extra time.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon denied Lovro Mayer and Bruno Petkovic from the spot before Carvajal cheekily chipped home to earn La Roja their first trophy since Euro 2012 and break Croatian hearts.

Zlatko Dalic's side, runners-up at the World Cup in 2018 and third in 2022 have never won a major trophy and were hoping Nations League success would cap a glittering international career for captain Luka Modric.