Former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has weighed in on the 2024 Ballon d’Or debate, expressing his belief that Manchester City midfielder Rodri should win the prestigious award over Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, according to AZ Score.
Speaking on CBS Sports after watching Vinicius score a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund, Henry shared his preference for recognizing the contributions of midfielders.
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Thierry Henry Prefers Rodri to Vinicius Jr
When asked by presenter Kate Abdo who he thought deserved the Ballon d’Or, Henry revealed his choice:
“Rodri because I wanted the Xavi and the [Andres] Iniesta when they were performing, people forget about the midfielders and what they do, and they’re the heart of the team. He was the heart of Man City. I know they didn’t win the Champions League, but he won the Euros.”
Thierry Henry also acknowledged Vinicius’ talent, admitting that the Brazilian winger is a worthy contender.
“Vinicius Jr didn’t perform at the Copa America. But is he a worthy winner? Yes. He’s outstanding. I keep on saying, for me, right now, as a forward, the best in the world, so he deserves it,” he added.
Despite recognizing Vinicius’ brilliance, Henry’s argument highlights the often-overlooked importance of midfielders like Rodri, who played a vital role in Manchester City’s success and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
