The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, held on October 28, 2024, delivered a historic night of recognition for football’s finest talents. The prestigious awards saw Manchester City’s midfield anchor, Rodri, crowned as the best male footballer in the world, while Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati secured her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or. The night they celebrated excellence, resilience, and sportsmanship, with memorable moments and some controversies.
Rodri’s Triumph: A Momentous Achievement for Manchester City
Rodri became the first Premier League player to win the Ballon d’Or since Cristiano Ronaldo’s triumph in 2008 during his Manchester United days. The 28-year-old midfielder had an exceptional 2023/24 season with Manchester City, winning his fourth consecutive Premier League title and making significant contributions to Spain’s victory in the Euro 2024 Championship. Notably, Rodri won the Best Player award at the Euros, despite being substituted at half-time in the final against England. Unfortunately, Rodri arrived at the Paris ceremony on crutches, having recently sustained an ACL injury in a match against Arsenal. Nonetheless, the Spaniard’s win was well-deserved, reflecting his vital role in Manchester City’s dominant performances and Spain’s resurgence on the international stage.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Rodri thanked the people who played pivotal roles in his career, from his teammates and coaches to his family and girlfriend, Laura, on their anniversary. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and dedicated his award to Manchester City, calling them the “best club in the world,” as well as to the Spanish national team.
Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid’s Protest
While Rodri celebrated his victory, Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony. Despite being named the men’s club of the year, the club’s delegation did not attend the event, expressing dissatisfaction over Vinicius Junior being overlooked for the top prize. The Brazilian forward had an outstanding season but fell short in the final vote. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vinicius expressed his disappointment, saying, “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready.”
The club’s frustration extended beyond Vinicius, with Real Madrid feeling that their defender Dani Carvajal also deserved recognition. This led to their decision to abstain from attending the event.
Aitana Bonmati Dominates Women’s Football Once Again
In the women’s category, Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati retained her Ballon d’Or title after another remarkable season. The 26-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in Barcelona’s successes in both La Liga F and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Barcelona’s dominance was evident, with Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo rounding off the top three in the women’s award.
Bonmati’s achievements come on the back of her key performances in helping Barcelona
secure their third Women’s Champions League title in four years and Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup. Her consistent excellence makes her the clear favorite to continue leading Barcelona and Spain to more glory.
Other Awards and Notable Moments
The night featured multiple awards and recognitions, highlighting exceptional performances across various categories:
- Johan Cruyff Trophy (Men’s Coach of the Year): Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti was named the best men’s coach of the year, continuing his remarkable career achievements.
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes received the award for leading the USA to Olympic gold during the summer.
- Yashin Trophy: Emi Martinez of Aston Villa and Argentina retained the Yashin Trophy for the world’s best goalkeeper. Martinez played a pivotal role in Argentina’s Copa America win, keeping clean sheets in five of their six matches, including the final against Colombia.
- Kopa Trophy: Barcelona’s teenage sensation Yamine Lamal claimed the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young male player under 21. Lamal made history at the Euros, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history and helping Spain secure the trophy.
Barcelona’s Dominance and Achievements
The Ballon d’Or ceremony further cemented Barcelona’s dominance in both men’s and women’s football. The club won the title of Women’s Club of the Year after their continued success in the Champions League. Barcelona’s triumph over Lyon in the final marked their third European title in four years. Real Madrid, despite their protests, were named Men’s Club of the Year in recognition of their achievements over the past season.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony showcased the triumphs and challenges faced by football’s top talents. Rodri’s historic win marked a significant moment for the Premier League and a testament to the midfielder’s resilience and consistency. Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmati’s dominance in women’s football continues to inspire the next generation.
The night was not without its controversies, with Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the event reflecting the intensity of emotions and the high stakes surrounding football’s most coveted individual prize. Nonetheless, the Ballon d’Or remains a celebration of excellence, perseverance, and a beautiful game.