The Spaniard was chosen as the best player of the EC finals when the country took home the gold this summer. He also led Manchester City to another league title in the Premier League.
However, Rodri seriously injured his knee in September. He suffered a cruciate ligament injury and will miss the rest of the season.
Real Madrid boycotted the gala
Former great Didier Drogba helped the crutch-wearing Rodri onto the stage at a theater in Paris to accept the award where he specially thanked his partner Laura on their eighth anniversary.
Real Madrid boycotted the gala after learning that Vinicius Junior would not receive the award and Erling Braut Haaland chose Malmö over Paris despite being on a 30-player shortlist.
According to a statement to the AFP news agency, the gala organizer believes that no one – neither players nor clubs – knows who is awarded prizes.
The award was valid for the period between August 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024.