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First a message from our editor, James Andrew:
When Manchester City got in touch and asked whether we fancied interviewing newly-crowned Ballon dOr winner Rodri in Madrid, we dropped everything, jumped on a plane and flew to the Spanish capital. There were a few obstacles in our way, but overcoming them was worth it when the Premier League and Euro 2024 winner arrived at the serene setting of the Rosewood Villa Magna Hotel, sitting down with us for a chat about his amazing year, trophies and career to date.
It was abundantly clear that the midfielder was very proud of his award and rightly so as he made sure he used a special cloth to wipe away any fingerprints on the glistening gold orb. Beyond that though, he was just a normal guy. Polite, friendly, engaging and thoughtful throughout our time with him. A normal guy who just so happens to be a gifted footballer.
Manchester City fans and team-mates alike will be looking forward to Rodris comeback, once hes fully recovered from his ACL injury, and returning to the form that saw him voted the finest player in the world. Once youve read our brilliant interview in this issue, Id urge you to go and watch our tactical chat with Rodri on our YouTube channel. Enjoy the mag.
Rodri: How I won the Ballon dOr
The Spaniard may not act like a superstar, but his sheer consistency saw him scoop the sports greatest individual prize he tells us why football was ultimately the winner.
Ollie Watkins one shot at glory
Aston Villas marksman had barely featured at Euro 2024, but just needed a chance. From Weston-super-Mare to the Westfalenstadion, a career defined by seizing such opportunities was about to reach its peak
Martin Adam: Euros cult hero
Standing 6ft 3in tall with a bushy beard, the target man proved popular across the continent when he emerged from Hungarys bench in June and is now eyeing a move to England.
Neverkusen to Neverlusen
Before 2024, Bayer Leverkusen were infamous for never having won the Bundesliga then Xabi Alonsos men swept to the title unbeaten. Those involved recount the emotional ride
Emma Hayes: Mission impossible
As if a record seventh WSL title wasnt enough this year, the managerial maestro followed it with Olympic gold. She admits how her late fathers words set her on a path to the US, which led to a family meeting with a Hollywood great.
The 30 best players in the world
FFT ranks the standout male stars of 2024, from the defensive rock named after Zorro to the goal machine who matched a long-standing achievement by Paul Jewell.
Sven, Sven, Sven-Goran Eriksson
Despite ascending to some of world footballs most pressurised jobs, the Swede always used his Zen manner to his advantage. Months after his passing, we salute a legendary coaching career.
Saudi Arabia: A special report
FIFA will confirm the country as 2034 World Cup hosts this month, so FFT headed there to learn what its like, meet Ivan Toney and watch two of the leagues biggest games, featuring a certain Cristiano Ronaldo
Martin Keown answers YOUR questions
The former Arsenal and England centre-back on avoiding Highburys infamous drinking culture, turning down Manchester United, that incident with Ruud van Nistelrooy and more.
Tactically speaking
Analytical authority Adam Clery stops by to explain why Champions League-winning boss Carlo Ancelotti remains The Don after 30 years in the game, and exactly why Manchester United fans should be excited by the arrival of attack-minded Ruben Amorim as manager.
Around the grounds in the EFL, non-league and Scotland
Oxford Uniteds globetrotting gaffer Des Buckingham reveals why coming home to lead his boyhood club to the second tier matters
Caleys fight to survive: Relegated and docked points, Inverness Caledonian Thistle are hopeful of better days to come.
In Best & Worst, The Wanderer fanzine editor Jonny King casts his mind back to Ceefax strikers, Wembley glory and Tony Adams madness at Wycombe
Centre mid to centre stage: Jim Whitley spent 13 years as a pro for clubs including Wrexham and Manchester City now hes treading the boards.
The savage world of management: From pantomime villain to, er, tactical doyen: Robbie Savage is proving a dab hand in the dugout with Macclesfield.
The Mixer
Our pick of the games cool clobber showcases David Beckhams new Predator boot, football sticker wrapping paper, classic Christmas jumpers and Inters retro collection.
Seen something you want to get in The Mixer? DM Deputy Editor Matt Ketchell
Upfront
Ex-Manchester United, Leeds and England midfielder Lee Sharpe names the games that changed his life, while columnist Jules Breach lists her highlights from the last 12 months.
Try to master our quiz about boiler mascots, Gazza and goals for Africa, then check out My Football where Sky and BBC presenter and Liverpool fan Kelly Cates discusses life as Kenny Dalglishs daughter, Ronnie Whelans Coke bubble tips and irking Cristiano Ronaldo.
Back to the drawing board: Manchester United and England both changed bosses in 2024 illustration royalty David Squires reacted with typical wit.
In the Players Lounge this month
Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta reflects on the Miracle of Istanbul, Jason Euell remembers his intimidating upbringing in Wimbledons Crazy Gang and Steve Archibald recalls how he bagged Diego Maradonas No.10 shirt after swapping Spurs for Barcelona.
Perfect XI
The former Slovakia stopper selects a side littered with Liverpool favourites, anchored by an iconic Mohawk-wearer.
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