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Rodri claims top honour with new Manchester City role clear

Rodri of Manchester City greets the home support with his Ballon d'Or trophy during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur

Rodri of Manchester City greets the home support with his Ballon d'Or trophy during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur

Midfield maestro Rodri has been crowned the winner of the Manchester City Fans' Footballer of the Year award.

The Spaniard enjoyed a stellar 2024 and that has been reflected in him topping the City club vote, scooping another honour in a year to remember. Rodri was crowned the Ballon d'Or earlier this year and although he has barely featured for City this term having suffered a serious knee injury against Arsenal in September, he has remained the standout pick over the last 12 months.

He finished sixth in the overall vote, which was won by Liverpool's Mo Salah ahead of Cole Palmer of Chelsea. Phil Foden finished 11th while City Women star Khadija Shaw was 12th.

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Rodri can consider himself unfortunate not to be higher up the overall list given his significant achievements this season in leading City to a fourth successive Premier League title before starring for Spain as they lifted the European Championships. His injury in September has likely prevented him gaining more votes with recency bias perhaps hindering his bid.

The 27-year-old is hoping to play again before the end of the season with City taking part in the Club World Cup in America next summer. He is an integral part of Pep Guardiola's side and his absence for the past few months is a significant reason behind the slump in form City have suffered.

If he can come back and reach the levels he has in the past then he can undoubtedly inspire and lead the City rebuild.

"What he gives us, we don't have a similar player but the other players altogether can replace what Rodri has given since arriving here with us," said Guardiola of his star man earlier this season.

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