In a spectacular evening celebrating the best in world football, Spanish midfielder and Manchester City star Rodri clinched his first Ballon d’Or, a prestigious honor marking a season filled with remarkable achievements. The 28-year-old received the Golden Ball at a ceremony in Paris on Monday, October 30, after an outstanding season that saw him lead Manchester City to the Premier League title and guide Spain to a victorious Euro 2024 campaign. Despite his injury setback, Rodri expressed his deep gratitude for the honor, reflecting on his journey and the support that helped him persevere.
“I almost quit football once,” Rodri revealed. “I told my father that my dream was over, but he encouraged me to keep going and give it one last try. This award means so much, and it’s a tribute to all those who supported me.” Rodri’s season was nothing short of remarkable: he lost just one match across club and country, underscoring his dominance and consistency on the field. His Golden Ball victory saw him edge out Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal, who finished second, third, and fourth, respectively.
In addition to Rodri’s momentous win, Barcelona and Spain’s Aitana Bonmati claimed the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the second consecutive year, solidifying her place among the elite in women’s football. The award followed her spectacular performances that contributed to Barcelona’s dominance and Spain’s World Cup success. Bonmati’s consistency and leadership on the field have made her an inspiration for young athletes and a central figure in women’s football.
Other standout awards included the Yashin Trophy, presented to Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez for his excellence as a goalkeeper. This marked Martinez’s second consecutive Yashin Trophy, further affirming his position as one of the best shot-stoppers in the game. In the youth category, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal of Barcelona won the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21. Known for his impressive skill and maturity on the field, Yamal has quickly become a rising star. Speaking highly of the young talent, Rodri predicted that Yamal would someday claim the Ballon d’Or. “Keep working hard, and you’ll get there,” he encouraged.
The ceremony also recognized coaches for their outstanding leadership and achievements. Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea boss now leading the United States women’s national team, was awarded Women’s Coach of the Year. Carlo Ancelotti, celebrated for his tactical acumen and leadership at Real Madrid, took home the Men’s Coach of the Year award.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Muller Trophy, having topped the scoring charts with an impressive 52 goals each in all competitions last season. Their goal-scoring prowess showcased their importance not just for their respective clubs but also on the international stage.
The ceremony’s humanitarian award, the Socrates Award, went to Spain’s Jenni Hermoso for her work advocating against sexual abuse in sports. Hermoso’s work has been instrumental in raising awareness following an incident where former Spanish Federation President Luis Rubiales kissed her without consent during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. Hermoso’s recognition symbolizes an ongoing push within sports toward greater accountability and respect for athletes.
Real Madrid, which was named Men’s Team of the Year following a stellar season capturing both La Liga and Champions League titles, did not attend the ceremony. Their absence highlighted a notable tension between the club and the award organizers. Hours before the event, Real Madrid issued a statement expressing frustration that Vinicius Junior did not win the Ballon d’Or. The club argued that the criteria should have favored the Brazilian forward or, alternatively, his teammate Carvajal. They contended that the absence of recognition for their players reflected a lack of respect for Real Madrid.
In the statement to *Agence France-Presse* (AFP), Real Madrid argued, “If the award criteria do not give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or does not respect Real Madrid, and Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.” Their absence marked a protest against what the club perceived as an unfair outcome, though several of their players received individual recognition in other categories.
On the women’s side, Barcelona was celebrated as Women’s Team of the Year, acknowledging a record-breaking season that saw the team secure an impressive quadruple, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Their accomplishments reflect the growing excellence and impact of women’s football in Europe and globally, with Barcelona leading the charge.
The Ballon d’Or awards serve as a yearly celebration of footballing talent across genders, age groups, and roles within the sport. This year’s awards offered an inspiring showcase of perseverance, talent, and sportsmanship while also drawing attention to issues of fairness and recognition within the game’s biggest honors. For Rodri, the Ballon d’Or caps off a challenging yet triumphant journey, one filled with personal growth and marked by resilience, and it represents a new peak in his career.
The winners in full are as follows:
– **Men’s Ballon d’Or**: Rodri
– **Ballon d’Or Féminin**: Aitana Bonmati
– **Kopa Trophy (Best Under-21)**: Lamine Yamal
– **Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper)**: Emiliano Martinez
– **Gerd Muller Trophy (Top Goalscorer)**: Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe
– **Men’s Coach of the Year**: Carlo Ancelotti
– **Women’s Coach of the Year**: Emma Hayes
– **Men’s Team of the Year**: Real Madrid
– **Women’s Team of the Year**: Barcelona
– **Socrates Award (Humanitarian Work)**: Jenni Hermoso
While Real Madrid’s absence cast a shadow, the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony honored the world’s top talents and highlighted the hard work and dedication of players, coaches, and advocates striving to make a difference on and off the pitch. As the sport continues to evolve, these awards serve as a reminder of football’s unifying power and the individuals who continue to shape its legacy.