Veteran sports journalist Michael Oti Adjei has shared the key factors he considered before selecting Manchester City midfielder Rodri as his top choice for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
As Ghana’s representative on the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting panel, Oti Adjei explained that he prioritized players who consistently made a significant impact, delivered in crucial matches, and produced standout moments throughout the year.
“I thought that if you had an individual who had the most impact on a team over the year, I was convinced it was Rodri. My conviction was that, when there were big games, when it mattered most, he wasn’t just a good central midfielder.
“In a game, if you need someone who would control the game, build uptempo, and attack and score in crunch moments, I always thought you could rely on Rodri,” he told Pure FM.
He affirms the narrative that Rodri won the award for being the most consistent player throughout the season.
“I think he was rewarded for his consistency. He was the best player in 2024 for his consistency. The previous year, I voted for Erling Haaland because I thought that although Rodri’s consistency was incredible, Haaland’s goals and numbers were impossible to ignore.”
Oti Adjei emphasised that Rodri was the most decisive player among the final shortlist, adding that Vinicius’ subpar run for Brazil cost him the award.
“But for 2024, on the balance of the players who deserved the Ballon d’Or, I thought Rodri was the most decisive for his team. If Vinicius had done as well as Rodri did at the national team level, I think he would have won it.”
Michael Oti Adjei cast his top five Ballon d’Or votes for Rodri, Vinicius Jr, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal.
In the final tally, Rodri clinched the award with 1,170 points, narrowly surpassing Vinicius Jr, who finished close behind with 1,129 points in a tight competition.