Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has won his first Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the world’s best footballer, after a remarkable season with City and Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad.
At the Paris ceremony, the 28-year-old celebrated his achievement as a tribute to Spanish football and to past midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta who never won the award.
Despite his injury, Rodri’s performances, including player of the tournament honors at the Euros and key contributions to City’s treble, made him one of the sport’s most impactful players this year.
Rodri beat Brazil’s Vinicius Jr. and England’s Jude Bellingham, while Real Madrid won club of the year, and Carlo Ancelotti was named coach of the year, although no Real Madrid representatives attended due to an alleged boycott.
Other notable honours included Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé sharing the Gerd Müller Trophy for top goalscorer, with Kane accepting the award on Mbappé’s behalf. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation, won the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player, while Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa claimed his second consecutive Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.
Their is more outrage Rodri won the Balon Dor over Vinicius 🤷🏾♂️
But nobody talks about how Messi absolutely robbed Haaland last season ☠️
Brother was playing in MLS and they give him the Balon Dor for scoring 5 penalties in WC 🤣
Rodri very well deserved winner 🇪🇸#BallonDor pic.twitter.com/bv55Tluh79
— The Professor 🕵🏽 𐤊 ₳Ѳ τ ױ ⧖ (@AzeroPapi) October 28, 2024
