Manchester City midfielder Rodri was awarded the prestigious Ballon d’Or for 2024, celebrating a standout year that saw him lead his team to a Premier League title and help Spain secure victory at Euro 2024. However, the awards night in Paris took a dramatic turn when Real Madrid boycotted the event, upset that their star, Vinícius Júnior, did not take the prize.
Rodri’s Exceptional Year
Rodri, 28, played a vital role for Manchester City last season. Known for his strong midfield presence and ability to score crucial goals, he helped City win the Premier League and contributed to Spain’s success in the Euro 2024 tournament, where he was named the Player of the Tournament. Unfortunately, Rodri is currently sidelined due to an ACL injury, and he accepted the award on crutches.
While Rodri thanked his teammates and fans, he remained diplomatic when asked about Real Madrid’s absence, saying, “They have their decision, they didn’t want to be here for their reasons. I just focus on my club and my teammates.”
Why Real Madrid Boycotted Ballon d’Or 2024
Real Madrid’s disappointment over Vinícius Júnior missing out on the Ballon d’Or was clear. The club publicly stated that if Vinícius wasn’t chosen, another Madrid player, Dani Carvajal, would have been a fair alternative, given his contributions. The statement argued that the Ballon d’Or criteria were biased, expressing that “Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
Madrid’s delegation was noticeably absent when their team was awarded the men’s Club of the Year award. A video tribute was played on stage in their honor, with no club representatives there to accept the trophy.
Aitana Bonmatí’s Second Women’s Ballon d’Or
Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row. Her incredible performances led Barcelona to victories in the Spanish League, Super Cup, and the Women’s Champions League, and she also contributed to Spain’s Nations League win.
Bonmatí, 26, credited her success to her team, saying, “This cannot be achieved alone. I am very lucky to be surrounded by players who make me better every day.” She joins her Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas as one of only two women to win the Ballon d’Or twice since it was introduced in 2018.
Other Awards of the Night
Additional winners at the ceremony included:
- Johan Cruyff Award: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti
- Gerd Müller Award for Top Goal Scorer: Shared by Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé
- Kopa Trophy for Best Player Under 21: Lamine Yamal from Spain
- Lev Yashin Award for Best Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez from Argentina
- Socrates Award for Charity and Humanitarian Work: Spain’s Jenni Hermoso
The ceremony took place amid the international women’s football calendar, which limited the attendance of some nominees. Notably, Emma Hayes, the winner of the women’s coach of the year, could not attend in person as her team was preparing for an international match.
Rodri’s Place in Football History
Rodri’s win makes him one of the few midfielders to receive the Ballon d’Or in recent years. His manager, Pep Guardiola, once described him as “the best in his position” for his exceptional ball-handling and game-reading abilities. Rodri’s contributions have proven crucial to City’s success, and he is seen as a key figure in their winning streak.
While Real Madrid’s absence cast a shadow over the event, the night ultimately celebrated the achievements of players like Rodri and Bonmatí, who continue to make history in football.
