Rodri Crowned Ballon d’Or Winner for 2024
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has clinched the prestigious men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time. The 28-year-old was honored at the ceremony in Paris, making history as the first City player to win this top football accolade. His achievement crowns a stellar year where he won the UEFA European Championship 2024 with Spain and the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup with Manchester City.
Rodri’s win marks a significant milestone, as he outpaced Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr., who finished second, and England’s Jude Bellingham, who came third—the highest rank for an English player since Frank Lampard’s runner-up finish in 2005. Real Madrid, meanwhile, was awarded Club of the Year, and their coach, Carlo Ancelotti, won Men’s Coach of the Year, though the club reportedly boycotted the event in light of rumors about Vinicius’s placement in the standings.
“A very special day for me, my family, and my country,” Rodri said, appearing on stage with crutches after sustaining an ACL injury in September. Reflecting on his career-high season, he thanked his supporters for recognizing the vital yet often understated role of midfielders. “Today, football has recognized those who work in the shadows,” he added.
For the first time since 2003, the Ballon d’Or shortlist did not include eight-time winner Lionel Messi or five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, signaling a shift in the sport’s power dynamics. Rodri, who ranked fifth in the previous year’s Ballon d’Or after City’s treble-winning season, has risen in influence on both club and national stages. His critical performance throughout Euro 2024 earned him Player of the Tournament, despite an injury that saw him exit the final against England at halftime.
Kane and Mbappe Share Gerd Muller Trophy
The Gerd Muller Trophy, awarded to the top goal-scorer, was jointly awarded to Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, who each scored 52 goals across all competitions. Kane, now in his first season at Bayern Munich, received the award in Munich and thanked his club and teammates for their support.
Real Madrid’s Achievements Recognized
Real Madrid won Club of the Year, and Ancelotti received the Johan Cruyff Trophy for best coach, acknowledging the club’s success in securing the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga title with a 10-point margin, as well as their Champions League victory, their 15th in the club’s history. With seven of its players nominated, Real Madrid’s achievements underscored its status in European football, though no club representatives attended the ceremony.
Lamine Yamal Wins Kopa Trophy
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who turned 17 in July, won the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. After an impressive season with 50 appearances, seven goals, and seven assists, he played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign with four assists, setting a new record for a single European Championship. Named Young Player of the Tournament, Yamal is now celebrated as the youngest player, goal scorer, and champion in Euro history.
Martinez Claims Back-to-Back Yashin Trophies
Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made history by winning the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper for the second consecutive year. After his heroics in Argentina’s World Cup 2022 victory, Martinez continued his outstanding form, helping Aston Villa secure a Champions League spot by finishing fourth in the Premier League. Additionally, he kept five clean sheets in Argentina’s Copa America run.
Ballon d’Or Top 10 (Men)
- Rodri (Spain/Manchester City)
- Vinicius Jr. (Brazil/Real Madrid)
- Jude Bellingham (England/Real Madrid)
- Dani Carvajal (Spain/Real Madrid)
- Erling Haaland (Norway/Manchester City)
- Kylian Mbappe (France/PSG/Real Madrid)
- Lautaro Martinez (Argentina/Inter Milan)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain/Barcelona)
- Toni Kroos (Germany/Real Madrid)
- Harry Kane (England/Bayern Munich)
