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.
This story is from the October 30, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 30, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Frenzied festive season here
BLACK FRIDAY: SAVVY SHOPPERS DEMAND REAL VALUE AND GREAT EXPERIENCES
Confusion as deadline looms
ZEP: 'IMPOSSIBLE TO MEET FRIDAY CUT-OFF'
Transforming your investment with your advisor
Decisions made with your retirement funds often cannot be reversed. If you don't have an embedded retirement plan, you'll probably hear things you don't like from your planner.
Making offshore waves
Structuring direct offshore investments can be valuable in a holistic strategy.
Medical aids in decline
REPORT: SHARP DROP IN COVERAGE WITH ONLY 14.7% OF POPULATION COVERED
CHIEFS BAG FULL POINTS
ENCOURAGED: TEN-MAN AMAKHOSI HOLD OFF A LISTLESS RICHARDS BAY
Rodri leaving a massive hole
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City's marriage has been so successful, that any slip is in danger of being blown out of all proportion.
Rain comes to Proteas' rescue
South Africa were saved by the weather yesterday after an onslaught from Sri Lanka's bowling attack left the hosts flailing on a rain-interrupted opening day of the first Test in Durban.
Lions gear up for test of pedigree
The Lions are set for a massive test of their United Rugby Championship (URC) top four credentials when they take on 2022-23 URC champions Munster in their match-up at Thomond Park in Limerick on Saturday night.
England wrap up T20I series
England's women's cricket team wrapped up the three-match T20 series against South Africa in dominant fashion in Benoni last night with a match to spare, after cruising to a 36-run win in the second match.
