Rodri’s Injury Opens Race for 2025 Ballon d’Or

PARIS, France — Manchester City midfielder Rodri will not defend his Ballon d'Or title in 2025 due to a season-ending knee injury he suffered in September.

The injury has left many wondering who will take the coveted award next. The upcoming Ballon d’Or night was once dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but without Rodri in the running, other players now have a clearer path to claim the prestigious trophy.

This season’s race for the Ballon d’Or is particularly competitive, especially since there are no major international tournaments to alter the landscape of candidate performances. Instead, players will be judged solely on their performances in club competitions, making club success paramount.

After a highly controversial ceremony in Paris in 2024, where Real Madrid boycotted the event in protest of their star player missing out on the award, this year’s ceremony is anticipated to draw significant attention.

The new format of the Club World Cup may also influence opinions on candidates, as clubs seek to assert their dominance on the global stage.

As the European season progresses, numerous players are positioning themselves as potential front-runners for the Ballon d’Or, with many fans eagerly awaiting updates.

The race is heating up as we enter the final weeks of the European campaign, and GOAL will be monitoring the contenders and their performances closely as the award date approaches.