Manchester City's Rodri has won the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or, marking a significant achievement for the Spanish midfielder. His victory comes after a successful season with both his club and the national team, despite a recent injury. The ceremony also saw Aitana Bonmatí winning the Women's Ballon d'Or for the second consecutive year. Notably, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, who was a top contender, did not attend the ceremony after learning he wouldn't win, highlighting tensions and 'football politics' surrounding the awards.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, held in Paris, celebrated the pinnacle of football talent across the globe. Manchester City's Rodri emerged as the Men's Ballon d'Or winner, while Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí clinched the Women's Ballon d'Or. The event was not without controversy, particularly involving Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, who abstained from attending after discovering he would not be the recipient of the men's award.
Rodri's win marks him as the second Spanish player ever to win the Men's Ballon d'Or, following a remarkable season with Manchester City and the Spanish national team. His contributions were pivotal in Manchester City securing their fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain winning Euro 2024. Unfortunately, Rodri's celebration is bittersweet as he faces a significant period out of play due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in September, which might sideline him for the rest of the season.
The ceremony was shadowed by controversy, with Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and several teammates boycotting the event. Vinícius, a strong contender, expressed his disappointment over not winning, a sentiment echoed by his teammate Eduardo Camavinga who labeled the situation as 'football politics.' This incident has sparked discussions about the transparency and fairness of the awarding process, highlighting the intense emotions and politics intertwined with prestigious sporting accolades.
Aside from the men's and women's Ballon d'Or, the ceremony honored other talents such as Emiliano Martínez, who won the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, and Lamine Yamal, who secured the Kopa Trophy as the best under-21 player. Real Madrid was named Men's Club of the Year, while Barcelona took the Women's Club of the Year, underscoring their dominant presence in international football.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted the underlying tensions and politics in the world of professional football. As Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí bask in their well-deserved accolades, the football community continues to debate the fairness and integrity of the awarding process. The event leaves a mixed legacy, combining remarkable achievements with notable controversies.
"Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football, for so many players who have not won it and have deserved it." - Rodri
"FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro." - Eduardo Camavinga