Euro 2024's Player of the Tournament, Rodri has said a Spanish player deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year, and it does not matter if it's him, or one his national team teammates after a stellar showing in this year's European Championship.

Surprisingly, a Spaniard has not won the prestigious award since Barcelona legend Luis Suárez, in 1960.

The Manchester City midfielder is likely to be a frontrunner for the award, after a successful domestic campaign, precluding Spain's Euro glory, which was sealed with a 2-1 win over England in Berlin on Sunday.

The 28-year-old was a pivotal character is his club's Premier League and League Cup double, sealing an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship under manager Pep Guardiola.

Speaking after the Euro 2024 final, Rodri said: 'Spanish football deserves a Ballon d'Or winner; Spain deserves to win a Ballon d'Or.' 

Rodri said it's time for a Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or for the first time since 1960

When drawn on whether it should be him who takes the award home, he said: 'I'm going to be honest, I would like for a Spaniard to win it, I don't care who. It would be great.' 

'I've heard that [Dani] Carvajal also deserves it. From an individual standpoint, I'm very proud of what I am doing and the recognition I'm getting.' 

Much like Rodri, Carvajal has had a standout season with his domestic club Real Madrid, who are the current La Liga champions and the 2023-24 Champions League winner. 

But Spanish coach, Luis de la Fuente, said there was only one player in his mind who should win the individual trophy, and he plays in the sky blue of Manchester City.

'For me Rodri is the best player in the world, please give him the Ballon d'Or now,' De la Fuente said.

Throughout the Euros, Rodri has shone in the centre of Spain's midfield, helping pull the strings that allowed players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo to flourish.

He started in six of Spain's seven games in Germany, scoring one goal, and recording a passing accuracy of 92.84%.