Manchester City and Spain’s star midfielder Rodri has claimed the prestigious 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or, recognized as the world’s top player after an outstanding season with both club and country. Surprisingly, Real Madrid chose not to attend the Paris ceremony after reportedly learning that Vinicius Junior, who was widely expected to win, would not be receiving the honor.
The absence of Real Madrid was noticeable, with no team representatives present despite Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal securing top positions in the Ballon d’Or voting. Nevertheless, the spotlight was firmly on Rodri, who made history as Manchester City’s first Ballon d’Or winner and only the second Premier League player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 to take the award. Rodri also became Spain’s second recipient of the award since Alfredo Di Stefano and Luis Suarez.
With crutches in hand due to a recent ACL injury, Rodri accepted his award from former striker George Weah, visibly moved by the recognition. His stats and consistent excellence made the victory feel deserved to many who witnessed his commanding performances.
Sweet dreams @ManCity! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/mYAvcPg7Hi
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
Although Manchester City didn’t replicate their treble-winning campaign from 2022-23, they continued to dominate domestically with a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Rodri played a pivotal role, featuring in 34 league matches, only missing four games due to suspension or strategic decisions. With key playmaker Kevin De Bruyne out for much of the season, Rodri, along with Phil Foden, took on the creative responsibilities in midfield, with Rodri’s contributions proving critical.
Rodri has evolved from a traditional defensive midfielder into a versatile lynchpin, showcasing exceptional abilities both in defensive and attacking roles. Last season alone, he directly contributed to 23 goals across all competitions, scoring nine times and delivering 14 assists. Rodri also led the Premier League in touches (3,988), progressive passes (376), and passes into the final third (378), earning a well-deserved spot on the 2023-24 PFA Team of the Year.
Internationally, Rodri shone for Spain, helping them to Euro 2024 success. Playing all but one game and scoring in Spain’s last-16 win over Georgia, he was named Player of the Tournament and included in the Team of the Tournament despite an injury-shortened final against England.
During the evening, other award highlights included Barcelona and Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, who successfully defended her Ballon d’Or Féminin title as the top women’s player, while Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal took home the Kopa Trophy as Best Under-21 player.
Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane shared the Gerd Muller Trophy, recognizing outstanding scorers, while Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa and Argentina defended his Yashin Trophy as the world’s top goalkeeper. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes and Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti were also honored with the Johan Cruyff Coach of the Year awards for their achievements with club teams. Real Madrid claimed Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won Women’s Team of the Year. Jennifer Hermoso received the Socrates Award for her advocacy against sexual abuse following the Luis Rubiales scandal.
Who else won big at the Ballon d’Or ceremony?
2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony winners
Ballon d’Or: Rodri (Manchester City/Spain)
Ballon d’Or Feminin: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona/Spain)
Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
Yashin Trophy: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
Gerd Muller Trophy: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England) and Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain/France)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes (Chelsea/USA)
Men’s Club of the Year: Real Madrid
Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
Socrates Award: Jennifer Hermoso
2024 Ballon d’Or men’s rankings in full
1. Rodri (Manchester City/Spain)
2. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid/Brazil)
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
4. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/Spain)
5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway)
6. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain/France)
7. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/Argentina)
8. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
9. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/Germany)
10. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England)
11. Phil Foden (Manchester City/England)
12. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen/Germany)
13. Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig/Spain)
14. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC/Nigeria)
15. Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao/Spain)
16. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen/Switzerland)
17. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid/Uruguay)
18. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
19. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal/Norway)
20. Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan/Turkey)
21. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal/England)
22. Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid/Germany)
23. Ruben Dias (Manchester City/Portugal)
24. William Saliba (Arsenal/France)
25. Cole Palmer (Chelsea/England)
26. Declan Rice (Arsenal/England)
27. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal)
28. Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen/Spain)
29. Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund/Germany)
30. Artem Dovbyk (Girona/Ukraine)
No tenim paraules. pic.twitter.com/7tnBp3PN52
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) October 28, 2024
2024 Ballon d’Or Feminin rankings in full
1. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona/Spain)
2. Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona/Norway)
3. Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona/Spain)
4. Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns/USA)
5. Lindsey Horan (Lyon/USA)
6. Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars/USA)
7. Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris Saint-Germain/France)
8. Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona/Spain)
9. Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit/USA)
10. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain)
11. Patri Guijarro (Barcelona/Spain)
12. Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride/Zambia)
13. Lauren James (Chelsea/England)
14. Ada Hegerberg (Lyon/Norway)
15. Khadija Shaw (Manchester City/Jamaica)
16. Tabitha Chawinga (Lyon/Malawi)
17. Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars/USA)
18. Gabi Portilho (Corinthians/Brazil)
19. Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich/Germany)
20. Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/England)
21. Mayra Ramirez (Chelsea/Colombia)
22. Glodis Viggosdottir (Bayern Munich/Iceland)
23. Tarciane (Houston Dash/Brazil)
24. Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich/Germany)
25. Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea/Germany)
26. Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City/Japan)
27. Manuela Giugliano (Roma/Italy)
28. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City/England)
29. Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg/Poland)
30. Grace Geyoro (Paris Saint-Germain/France)
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