Real Madrid's Liga and Champions League double winner Vinicius Junior had been the favourite to collect the trophy.
But hours before Monday's awards ceremony in Paris, the Spanish giants announced its delegation would not attend because of what it perceived as a snub of Vinicius.
Rodri, 28, received the trophy after helping City win a fourth consecutive Premier League title and also starring in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.
City manager Guardiola, speaking yesterday at a press conference before his side's League Cup tie against Tottenham, was delighted by Rodri's success.
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