ºÃÉ«ÉÙ¸¾

Emmanuel Petit, the former France midfielder, has claimed that only Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid winger can stop Rodri of Manchester City from winning this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Vinicius is the hot favourite to claim the prize, but Rodri is also a frontrunner, having won the Premier League title and helped Spain win Euro 2024.

Petit has now admitted that the Ballon d’Or will be handed to either player.

“I love Rodri,” Petit told topoffshoresportsbooks.com.

“I think he’s such a fantastic midfielder, who has had an unbelievable year.

“In fact, if you look at the medals he’s won since he joined Manchester City, he could be the most decorated footballer in the world. “Would the Ballon d’Or be the individual reward to mark his achievements? It would, but he will have a bit of competition on his hands from Vinicius Junior.

“For me, those are the two players that are leading the charge. One of them will win it this year.”