DINH DOONG

The prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, hosted by France Football in Paris, crowned Manchester City midfielder Rodri as the best male footballer of the year. Rodri, who enjoyed a sensational season, beat out Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham to claim the award.

Rodri’s triumph in the 2024 Ballon d’Or is widely regarded as well-deserved. The Spanish midfielder was a cornerstone of Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign, which included victories in the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. Additionally, Rodri played a pivotal role in Spain’s EURO 2024 triumph, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s top midfielders.

It was a night to remember for Spanish football as the Ballon d’Or Féminin was awarded to Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí. Rising star Lamine Yamal, also from Barcelona, was named the Best Young Player of the Year, rounding out a remarkable showing for Spanish football on the global stage.

The Best Women’s Coach award went to Emma Hayes, while Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s head coach, took home the Best Men’s Coach award. Ancelotti’s recognition came after leading Real Madrid to a treble-winning season, including another Champions League title.

Adding to the intrigue, reports emerged suggesting that Vinicius Junior had initially garnered the most votes for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. However, as reported by Marca, Real Madrid’s 50-person delegation unexpectedly canceled their trip to Paris on October 28, allegedly boycotting the ceremony organized by France Football. The club also scrapped a planned live broadcast on RMTV, where they intended to celebrate Vinicius’s win, signaling their discontent with the award process.

Despite the speculation surrounding Vinicius, the official announcement confirmed Rodri as the winner. Reflecting on his victory, Rodri expressed gratitude toward his teammates at Manchester City, the Spanish national team, his coaches, and his family. “One of the most important things for me is to improve myself every day,” Rodri shared with the press. “People don’t know much about me. I’m just a regular person trying to enjoy my work, become a better version of myself, and learn from the best around me.”

When asked about his recent injury struggles, Rodri remained optimistic: “I feel much better now. It was a tough injury, but it’s part of life and sport. I try to focus on the positive and stay optimistic.”

Lamine Yamal’s recognition as the Best Young Player of the Year came as no surprise. The Barcelona prodigy shone throughout 2024, playing a significant role in Spain’s EURO 2024 victory.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid was named the Best Men’s Club of the Year. The Spanish giants captured a treble in 2024, with the highlight being their Champions League triumph, further extending their record in Europe’s elite competition.

In the Gerd Muller Trophy category, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé shared the honor for scoring the most goals across club and international competitions. Both forwards netted 52 goals during the 2023/24 season, showcasing their elite scoring prowess.

Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez once again claimed the Best Goalkeeper award, adding another accolade to his impressive year. The Aston Villa shot-stopper played a crucial role in Argentina’s Copa America 2024 win, cementing his status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers.

Carlo Ancelotti’s recognition as the Best Men’s Coach of 2024 capped off a remarkable year for the Italian tactician. Leading Real Madrid to a treble, Ancelotti outshone notable contenders such as Pep Guardiola, Luis de la Fuente, and Lionel Scaloni to secure the prestigious award.

Aitana Bonmatí’s second Ballon d’Or Féminin win highlighted her dominance in women’s football. The Barcelona star’s contributions were instrumental in both her club’s success and Spain’s international triumphs.

Rodri’s Ballon d’Or victory not only celebrates his individual brilliance but also marks a historic moment for Spanish football. His achievements at both club and international levels underline the midfielder’s immense impact throughout the year.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony leaves fans buzzing with excitement as the football world celebrates excellence on and off the pitch. Despite the underlying controversy surrounding Vinicius Junior’s exclusion from the top prize, Rodri’s win signals a new era where consistency, leadership, and team success are rightfully rewarded.

With the season nearing its conclusion, the Ballon d’Or results add further intrigue to the ongoing narratives in European football. As Rodri basks in the glow of his victory, the football world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for the stars who lit up the 2024 season.