Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the men’s Ballon d’Or on Monday to become the first player in the club’s history to claim the prestigious prize. 

The 28-year-old City star received the most votes ahead of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, who were also top contenders for the famous award. 

The influential midfielder helped the Citizens lift their fourth consecutive Premier League trophy last season, starting 34 games and making 17 goal contributions. 

He was also a key part of the Spain national team that won the 2024 European Championship in Germany. 

However, former Tottenham Hotspur player Jamie O’Hara claims Rodri shouldn’t have won the Ballon d’Or. 

The 38-year-old says the Manchester City star is a system player and doesn’t win football matches.  

O’Hara said on talkSPORT: “Rodri is a brilliant player, so important to the team. He doesn’t win you football matches. He is a system player, he plays in a system that Pep has implemented and he plays it in the best in the world. 

“He is a fantastic football player but individual awards are for players who win football matches like Vinicius Junior, like Harry Kane, like Cole Palmer”.   

Absurd claim 

Rodri has been one of the most important players for Manchester City since joining the club in 2019. 

He has made 260 appearances across all competitions so far, with 26 goals and 30 assists to his name. 

City suffered a big blow when the 28-year-old’s ACL surgery ruled him out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. 

Pep Guardiola’s side are still grinding out results but they are not the same side in the absence of the influential midfielder. 

Jamie O’Hara’s claim that he doesn’t win football matches is completely absurd. 

Rodri scores goals, provides assists and always makes a big impact for his side. The Spain international’s passing has been excellent, he is dominant in the air and also contributes to the team’s build-up play. 

Stats from Transfermarkt