The Premier League players to win the Ballon d’Or

Rodri has been named as winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2024 with the Manchester City midfielder recognised as world football’s finest in Paris.

The Spaniard’s stellar performances for club and country have culminated in football’s greatest individual honour.

Rodri was instrumental as Manchester City won a fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2023/24 before helping Spain conquer Europe at Euro 2024 in the summer. Named Player of the Tournament in that latter success, he was the midfield metronome of Luis de la Fuente’s side.

He becomes the first Spanish player in 64 years to win the Ballon d’Or, while Rodri has also achieved the rare feat of earning the accolade at a Premier League team. There had previously been just six players win the Ballon d’Or while at an English club and only two in the Premier League era.

The Premier League players to win the Ballon d’Or

Michael Owen – Liverpool (2001)

Michael Owen achieved the staggering feat of celebrating Ballon d’Or success without featuring in the Champions League.

Owen inspired Liverpool to a treble of trophies under Gerard Houllier, as the Reds lifted the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. He scored in the thrilling final win over Alaves in Europe and produced a stunning match-winning performance in FA Cup decider.

A goal down to Arsenal with seven minutes to go in Cardiff, Owen scored twice inside the final minutes to turn defeat into victory for Liverpool. At international level, he helped turn around England’s World Cup qualification campaign with an unforgettable hat-trick in a 5-1 thrashing of Germany in Munich.

He ended the 2000/01 season with 24 goals in all competitions for Liverpool to take the Ballon d’Or ahead of Raul and Oliver Kahn.

Iconic Performances: Michael Owen in Munich

Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United (2008)

Cristiano Ronaldo became the second Premier League winner of the Ballon d’Or after taking the first of his five career accolades in 2008.

Ronaldo emerged as arguably world football’s finest talent during the 2007/08 season, as he scored 42 goals in all competitions to lead Manchester United to Premier League and Champions League success.

His 31 league goals equalled the then-Premier League record for a 38-game season and earned Ronaldo the European Golden Shoe.

Ronaldo scored Manchester United’s goal with a brilliant header in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Champions League final, before the Red Devils triumphed on penalties in Moscow.

He became the fourth player to win the award at Manchester United, after Denis Law (1964), Bobby Charlton (1966), and George Best (1968).

Rodri – Manchester City (2024)

Rodri has become the third Premier League player to win an award that has been dominated by La Liga since the turn of the century.

The midfielder has been the heartbeat of Manchester City side under Pep Guardiola, who claimed an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2023/24. At international level, he led Spain to success at Euro 2024 in the summer.

Luis de la Fuente’s side were deserved winners of the European Championship with few as crucial as Rodri to their triumph. His performances duly earned the 28-year-old the Player of the Tournament award.

Now, Rodri celebrates a Ballon d’Or win, a groundbreaking recognition for his understated influence. Often reserved for those who steal the headlines with goals and flair, Rodri’s ability to make others shine has ultimately turned the spotlight back on him.

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