Pep Guardiola names the two players who never won the Ballon d'Or but most deserved to

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has picked out two players who deserved to win the Ballon d’Or but never did.

On Monday night, City star Rodri was handed the 2024 Ballon d’Or award after a stellar 23/24 season for both club and country.

The 28-year-old played a key role as City won the Premier League and Spain won Euro 2024.

Speaking after winning the trophy, Rodri said: “I try to be the best version of myself every day. I try to be a leader and learn every day from the best. I am a very calm person until I get upset. I am just a normal guy, you don't have to be crazy. I would like to thank God.

“Manchester City, thank you so much, you are so special, I know I wouldn't have made this without you. For me, this is the best club in the world. I would like to thank my national team and Luis [de la Fuente] for trusting me.”

On Tuesday afternoon, City boss Guardiola spoke about Ballon d’Or and picked out Xavi and Andres Iniesta as two players who deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.

He said: “Cristiano [Ronaldo] was a monster, and the father of the monster is [Lionel] Messi. And both have done something incredible in the last 15, 20 years. And maybe in that moment, Xavi and Iniesta deserved the #BallonDor as well.

“You know that the era of Cristiano and Messi has been unbelievable, how they shared it, well deserved it, and they were on another level. And now it's another era, and everyone can win the #BallonDor, and at the end the opinion is free.”

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When asked about Vinicius Junior missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Guardiola replied: “If @vinijr would have won #BallonDor, it would have been more than well deserved! Like last season with @ErlingHaaland and he didn't win! And he was there, he was happy, and congratulate Leo [Messi] and OK, let's try to do next season if we can be there again!

“Carlo Ancelotti, I congratulate deeply for the big success is being named #BallonDor best manager in the world…”