Rodri

Players from Spain, midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí, snagged the Ballon d’Or titles for men’s and women’s categories on Monday, crowning them as the globe’s top soccer talents. Real Madrid, however, gave the glamorous Paris event a cold shoulder, seemingly in protest. At 28, Rodri claimed this illustrious accolade for the debut time, bolstered by his contributions to Manchester City's Premier League conquest and Spain's victorious run in the European Championship. In doing so, he dethroned Argentina’s Lionel…

The chatter about Rodrigo Hernandez's role at Manchester City continues after Pep Guardiola's squad managed only a 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United. Without Rodri, recuperating from knee surgery in Spain, Guardiola started Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic in midfield. City kicked off strong, drawing first blood in the 35th minute with Josko Gvardiol netting from a Jack Grealish assist. Newcastle, however, upped their game in the second half. Anthony Gordon equalized from the penalty spot after being fouled by City’s…