Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri beat Vinicius Jr and Mbappe to win the men’s Ballon d’Or 2024 award for the first time. The 28-year-old, lost just one game last season for club and country, and he won the Euro 2024 in July with Spain.
The playmaker also won the Premier League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup with City. Rodri is the first player in the Manchester City history to win the Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid won the award for club of the year and their head coach Carlo Ancelotti won the men’s coach of the year award.
It was reported earlier on Monday that Real Madrid were boycotting the ceremony after reports their forward Vinicius Jr would not win the award. A statement from the club says if they can consider Rodri for the award, then they should do the same for Dani Carvajah since they both won the Euros together.
The statement also said the organizers disrespect their club and they will not be part of it. As for the winner, Eodri, he said: “A very special day for me, my family and my country.”
The Ballon d’Or recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by a jury of journalists from each of the top 100 countries in the Fifa men’s world rankings. It was the first time since 2003 that neither eight-time winner Lionel Messi, 37, or five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, have appeared on the list of nominees.
Ballon d’Or top 10 Players
Rodri (Spain and Manchester City)
Vinicius Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)
Dani Carvajal (Spain and Real Madrid)
Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)
Kylian Mbappe (France and PSG/Real Madrid)
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)
Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)
Toni Kroos (Germany and Real Madrid)
Harry Kane (England and Bayern Munich)
Comments 5