Rodri wins 2024 Ballon d’Or amid controversy
Rodri Hernández, the Spanish footballer from Manchester City, was named the Best Player in the World for 2024 and won the Ballon d’Or award.
Rodri received his award from George Weah, the legendary striker from PSG and AC Milan, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1995.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony took place on Monday evening, October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, honoring the best in world football.
This year’s Ballon d’Or was the first in 21 years without Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among the 30 nominees. Rodri’s exceptional year, winning the Premier League with Manchester City and the Euro 2024 with Spain, earned him the award.
Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal from Real Madrid secured the second to fourth positions, respectively.
Many had predicted weeks in advance that Vinícius Júnior would win the award. However, prominent European journalists revealed on Monday that Rodri, not Vinícius, would take home the Ballon d’Or.
In response, Real Madrid, seemingly aware of the outcome, boycotted the event, with no representatives from the club attending the ceremony in Paris.
The winners in various categories at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony are as follows:
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)
- Kopa Trophy (Best Under-21 Player): Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
- Top Scorers of the Year: Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich) and Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
- Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea/USA)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Real Madrid (Spain)
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona (Spain)
- Socrates Award (Social Contribution in Football): Jenni Hermoso (Spain)
Rodri’s recognition as the best player in 2024 marks a new era in football, as the dominance of Ronaldo and Messi seems to be coming to an end. His achievements with both his club and national team have solidified his place among football’s elite.
The ceremony also highlighted the rising stars and key contributors in football, such as Aitana Bonmatí and Lamine Yamal, demonstrating Spain’s continued prominence in the sport. The absence of Real Madrid representatives indicated the intense competition and emotions surrounding this year’s awards.
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