Andries Iniesta reacts to Rodri winning Ballon d'or

Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta has congratulated Rodri for winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career. He sent heartwarming wishes to his countrymate for winning the prestigious award given to the best football player of the season. For the unversed, Rodri and Iniesta have both played for Spain at the international level and are reputed midfielders. Coming back to the veteran’s wish, the former Barcelona and Spain maestro took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to congratulate the 28-year-old. Iniesta also stressed the fact that Rodri more than deserved to win the Ballon d’Or award. 

“Más que merecido. Muchas felicidades, Rodri," Iniesta wrote on X. (More than deserved. Congratulations Rodri)

Even though Rodri has been ruled out of the rest of the season for Manchester City after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, he played a crucial role for the club during the 2023-24 season. He scored eight goals even as the City won the Premier League for the fourth consecutive season. 

Moreover, Rodri was part of the Spain team that won the 2024 Euros and was adjudged the Player of the Tournament award as well. 

Andres Iniesta never won the Ballon d’Or award

As for Iniesta, he never won the Ballon d’Or award in his career. He played for Barcelona in club football for most part of his career, winning La Liga and Champions League nine and four times respectively. Iniesta was part of the golden generation in the history of Spanish football winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Even though Iniesta never won the Ballon d’Or, a lot of Barcelona players have achieved this special feat before. Lionel Messi has won the top football award eight times out of which six times he was part of Barcelona. Ronaldinho won it in 2005 after leading the Catalans to the La Liga title while Rivaldo deserved to win the award in 1999 for his excellent performance in the club’s title win.

As far as Iniesta is concerned, he came extremely close to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2010 but finished second with Messi winning while he ended up third in 2012.