The current Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri Hernández, surprised many by revealing his preferences for the next award. The Manchester City midfielder said he would love to see a Spain teammate such as Lamine Yamal or Pedri lift the trophy, but admitted that Paris Saint-Germain’s performances this season place several of their players at the forefront of the race.

Rodri backs his teammates but acknowledges PSG’s season

Speaking at a press conference in Konya, Rodri explained how difficult it is to choose a winner. “I have preferences for my teammates, but the truth is PSG have been the team of the season, and it would be hard not to give it to one of their players,” he said.

The Spain international highlighted two PSG players in particular: Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha, whom he sees as major favorites for the award. “I was really happy for Luis Enrique, for Fabián. Out of sympathy, I’d love for it to go to Lamine or Pedri, but based on sporting merit, maybe it’s between Ousmane or Vitinha,” he added.

The Ballon d’Or as a personal boost in a difficult moment

Rodri Hernández also reflected on what it meant for him to win the prestigious award, especially after overcoming a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined. “I experienced it with the naturalness I try to approach everything with. The year was much harder because of the injury, but the Ballon d’Or was a breath of oxygen at a time when I was really struggling,” he admitted.

Despite the joy, the midfielder made it clear that his focus is on the immediate future: “With the humility I try to have in both good and bad times, I want to get back to the level I had. I’m happy with the recognition, but it means nothing to me now. I just want to enjoy football again,” he said.

With these comments, the debate over the next Ballon d’Or heats up even more. Will it be the turn of a young star like Lamine Yamal, the established brilliance of Pedri, or one of PSG’s standouts such as Dembélé or Vitinha? What’s certain is that, according to Rodri, the race is more open than ever.