Nike prepares for Rodri to win Ballon d’Or

Manchester City midfielder Rodri may be out for the rest of the season due to serious injury, but that has not stopped Nike from preparing to celebrate the Spain ace winning the Ballon d’Or.

Rodri enjoyed a stellar season 2023/24 campaign with Man City, which culminated in him leading La Roja to Euro 2024 success in Germany thanks to a victory over England in the final.

His assurance and consistency in the midfield of both City and Spain has made him a leading contender to win the Ballon d’Or and, according to AS, sportswear giants Nike are working on a special celebration to celebrate his success in the Ballon d’Or.

The Spanish source reports: “For several weeks now, it has been working on special editions of golden boots, with elements related to the award and which will serve as a tribute to the winner.”

Unfortunately for Rodri, it appears unlikely that he will be unable to wear these in competitive action until next summer after suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal, likely ruling him out for the entire campaign.

Who will win the Ballon d’Or?

There are thought to be two strong favourites to win the prestigious individual award, with Rodri’s competition to come from Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior. Indeed, some reports in Spain suggest the Brazilian will win the award.

Nike is not hedging its bets between two of its biggest individual stars, though.

Just as it has made a boot for Rodri, it has done likewise for Vinicius Junior, who notably led Real Madrid to another Champions League title with victory over Borussia Dortmund in last season’s final.

Should the Manchester City star player win the Ballon d’Or, he would become just the second Spaniard ever to do so, matching the achievement of Luis Suarez in 1960.

The award ceremony will take place in Paris on 28 October.