Rodri, Spanish midfielder for Manchester City, defied the predictions by winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or, this Monday, October 28, under the nose of Vinícius Júnior, who was the big favorite.
To everyone's surprise, Rodri was crowned Ballon d'or 2024 ahead of Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, during the 68th ceremony of the prestigious trophy which was held this Monday evening at the Théâtre du Chatelet, in Paris. Dani Carvajal and Erling Haaland complete the top 5.
The 28-year-old Spanish midfielder notably won the Premier League last season with his club, Manchester City, as well as the Euro with La Roja last July. He therefore succeeds Lionel Messi, Ballon d'or 2023.
“It’s an incredible evening for me. I have a lot of people to thank,” said Rodri, very moved, after going on crutches on stage. “Thank you to everyone who voted for me. It’s very special for me, my family and my country. I wanted to thank my partner Laura today. This journey would not have been the same without you. To my family, of course, for all the values. “They passed me on. They allowed me to become the man I became.”
Bonmati scores the double among women
Like last year, Aitana Bonmati, player for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, won the Women's Golden Ball, presented Monday evening by actress Natalie Portman. She is ahead of her Barça teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo.
Other trophies awarded
– Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach) : Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
– Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach): Emma Hayes (Chelsea)
– Kopa Trophy (best young person) : Lamine Yamal
– Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer) : Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane
– Yachine Trophy (best goalkeeper) : Emiliano Martinez
Mbappé in the top 10
Nominated among the 30 finalists for the Ballon d'Or, the French Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) and William Saliba (Arsenal) rank 6th and 24th respectively.
French goalkeeper Mike Maignan finished in 5th place in the Yachine trophy, awarded to Argentinian Emiliano Martinez.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto, striker for PSG and the French team, ranks 7th in the Women's Ballon d'Or.
A ceremony shunned by Real
A little earlier in the afternoon, upon learning that Vinicius would not be crowned, the Madrid delegation announced that it would not go to Paris for the ceremony.
“No player or club knows on Monday afternoon who won,” retorted the Ballon d’Or organization, specifying that “all clubs and players are in the same boat.”
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T.D.
