Rodri, the Manchester City and Spain midfielder, has been awarded the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or, marking his first recognition as the best footballer of the year.
At the age of 28, Rodri attained this distinction following an outstanding season, during which he experienced only one defeat for both his club and national team. The award was presented to him in Paris, subsequent to Spain’s triumph in Euro 2024 in July. Rodri’s notable achievements encompass victories in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup with Manchester City.
Rodri outperformed Real Madrid players Vinicius Jr, who finished in second place, and Jude Bellingham, who claimed third. Dani Carvajal, another player from Real Madrid, secured the fourth position. This accomplishment represents a notable milestone for Rodri, reinforcing his status among the elite footballers globally.
Rodri is the first Manchester City player to receive the Ballon d’Or, highlighting his exceptional performance and contributions to the club’s success.
Real Madrid received the prestigious Club of the Year accolade, while their manager Carlo Ancelotti earned the Men’s Coach of the Year distinction. Nonetheless, there were no representatives from Real Madrid present at the ceremony, allegedly due to a boycott stemming from leaked reports suggesting that Vinicius Jr would not secure the Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the ceremony was reportedly influenced by leaked information indicating that Vinicius Jr would not be awarded the top honor.
Aitana Bonmati, midfielder for Spain and Barcelona, has secured the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year.
Bonmati’s exceptional accomplishments encompassed winning every available trophy at the club level, guiding Barcelona to a historic quadruple – clinching Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa, and Copa de la Reina. She achieved a career-high of 19 goals across all four competitions.
Bonmati played a crucial role in Spain’s first Women’s Nations League title in February, scoring four goals, including one in the 2-0 victory against France in the final. Her remarkable skill, vision, and leadership on the field distinguished her as a top candidate for the award.
The 26-year-old midfielder’s consecutive Ballon d’Or victories establish her as one of the leading female footballers globally, serving as an inspiration for a new generation of athletes.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony recognized remarkable talent in football, honoring distinguished players and coaches who have made substantial contributions to the sport.
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