Rodri names six teammates deserving of 2026 Ballon d’Or award

Rodri, Barcelona midfielder and winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain, has named six teammates who he believes deserve the Ballon d’Or award this year. Speaking to Goal, Rodri listed Cucurella, Cubarsi, Ruiz, Lamine, Ferran and himself, saying each has solid arguments for the honour and that he would like to see a Spaniard win. The winner will be announced next month in London, and Rodri is among the 30 nominees for the award. For Nigerian football fans, the Ballon d’Or remains the pinnacle of individual achievement in the sport. Seeing which players are rated highly by their peers offers insight into the standards required to compete at the highest level and may shape expectations for future African contenders. Rodri’s emphasis on team success—crediting his World Cup triumph—also highlights that individual awards often follow collective victories. The award ceremony will take place next month in London; you can follow it live through major sports broadcasters or reputable online sports platforms. While no African player appears in Rodri’s list, monitoring how performers from the continent progress in top leagues can give clues about future Ballon d’Or prospects. Remember that individual accolades frequently follow team achievements, so supporting your club’s success can be part of the journey.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/24/ballon-dor-2026-rodri-names-six-players-who-deserve-to-win-award/