Rodri's name etched into history books as he joins an elite group of eight male footballers who've conquered the quadruple – World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or. His latest triumph, a World Cup victory on Sunday, adds to an impressive collection that already includes the 2023 Champions League, the 2024 European Championship, and the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
It's a feat of legendary status, one that only the most exceptional players have achieved. Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller were the pioneers, completing their set on July 7th, 1974, with World Cup glory, European Championship titles, and Bayern Munich's 1974 European Cup under their belts. Müller had already claimed the Ballon d'Or in 1970, while Beckenbauer followed suit in '72.
It took nearly three decades for another player to join the ranks, but when Zinedine Zidane did it was with a flourish – 2002 Champions League glory with Real Madrid added to his World Cup win, Ballon d'Or triumph, and European Championship medal. Rivaldo completed his collection in '03, having secured the Copa América, Ballon d'Or, and World Cup.
Ronaldinho, another Brazilian genius, claimed this hallowed honour in 2006, albeit with a slight caveat – an unused substitute spot in the '99 Copa América final. His illustrious career included World Cup success, Ballon d'Or glory, and Champions League triumphs with Barcelona. Lionel Messi, of course, is also on this esteemed list – his 2022 World Cup win, Ballon d'Or victories in '09 and more recently, a first Champions League win with PSG.
Rodri's rapid rise to the top is nothing short of remarkable, achieving four major honours in quick succession. Only Franz Beckenbauer has achieved this feat quicker – it's a testament to Rodri's immense talent, his influence on both club and international stages. His status as one of the most decorated players of the modern era is now cemented.
The women's game still awaits its first quadruple winner, largely due to the relatively recent introduction of the Ballon d'Or Féminin – it's a new era of competition that has only seen seven editions. Players like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí have won Champions League and World Cup honours, but their opportunities for European Championship glory will not arise until 2029. Similarly, Megan Rapinoe – a Ballon d'Or Féminin winner and World Cup champion – only recently had the chance to compete in a continental club championship with the Concacaf W Championship established in '24.