Sergio Aguero didn't hesitate when naming the player who should win the Ballon d'Or

Sergio Aguero didn't hesitate when asked who he thinks should win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

On Wednesday (September 4) the 30 nominees for the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or were announced, but some pretty big names were missing.

For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo have made the shortlist for the prize.

Messi won the 2023 Ballon d'Or after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, the eighth time he has taken the award.

Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior is the favourite to win this year, although teammates Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are also in the running.

However, many fans, players and coaches believe the award should go to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

While the Spaniard doesn't put up incredible goal and assist numbers, there is no doubting that he is the best holding midfielder the world has seen since Sergio Busquets was at his peak.

Last season saw Rodri win a fourth successive Premier League title with City before he helped Spain to win Euro 2024.

City legend Sergio Aguero is close friends with Messi, but he didn't hesitate in putting Rodri forward as his pick to win the Ballon d'Or.

"Rodri deserves it," Aguero said when asked about the matter.

On X he wrote: "A perfect year, you deserve it. Come on Rodri!"

Rodri is one of four City players to make the 30-man shortlist, along with Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias and Phil Foden.

Kevin De Bruyne played a key role in City's title push last season, but he wasn't included after missing the first half of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

The winners of the men's and women's Ballon d'Or will be announced at the 68th edition of the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday, October 28, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.