In an evening filled with excitement and drama, Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí were named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winners at football’s annual awards ceremony in Paris. But what could have been a celebration of football’s finest talents turned into a spectacle with Real Madrid’s controversial decision to forgo attendance after learning their star Vinícius Júnior would not take home the coveted trophy.
Rodri’s Unmatched Triumph
Rodri’s win marks the culmination of a remarkable year for the Manchester City and Spain midfielder, who has achieved a stellar combination of team success and individual brilliance. Playing a pivotal role in City’s Premier League and Champions League, Rodri also helped secure the Club World Cup title. However, his moment of triumph came on crutches as the 28-year-old recovers from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Despite this setback, Rodri’s impact since joining City from Atlético Madrid five years ago has made him indispensable. He is notably the first non-forward to win the Ballon d’Or since Luka Modric in 2018.
Rodri, visibly moved, received his award from George Weah, expressing, “Today is a very special day, not just for me but for my family and my country.” Rodri clinched the title ahead of Vinícius, with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham rounding out the top three.
Real Madrid’s No-Show
Real Madrid, anticipated at the ceremony, abruptly cancelled their plans, upset by Vinícius Júnior’s narrow miss. The club issued a statement to the Spanish press: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinícius, then those same criteria should point to [Dani] Carvajal as the winner.” The statement underscored Madrid’s dissatisfaction, claiming UEFA and Ballon d’Or organizers showed disrespect, justifying the club’s absence.
Aitana Bonmatí Continues Barcelona’s Legacy
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí became the second player to retain the Ballon d’Or since its 2018 inception, following Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas. Bonmatí, integral to Barcelona’s Liga F and Champions League success, further demonstrated her playmaking prowess as Spain claimed the Nations League title. Reflecting on her journey, Bonmatí attributed her success to a team-oriented winning mentality that has driven both club and country.
The women’s podium celebrated a full Barca representation, with Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo taking second and third place, respectively. Bonmatí’s achievement cements Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football, and the club also won the Women’s Club of the Year award.
Other Notable Winners
The ceremony saw the Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez claim the Lev Yashin trophy, and Spain’s Jenni Hermoso received the Socrates Award for her humanitarian contributions. Young talent Lamine Yamal, a national teammate of Rodri, was awarded the Kopa trophy as the best player under 21, setting a record as the youngest ever to receive it.
The 2024 winners list! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/kV28kY5io7
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
Lamine Yamal leaving the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony 👀#ballondor pic.twitter.com/BcDx0sv2FK
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
Real Madrid’s decision to sit out the awards extended to a missed opportunity to collect their Men’s Club of the Year award. The Gerd Müller award for the top men’s goalscorer was shared by Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, with the latter also absent from the ceremony. In an unconventional ending, Emma Hayes, newly appointed as USA’s national team coach, accepted her Women’s Coach of the Year award remotely.
As the dust settles, Rodri and Bonmatí’s historic wins will be remembered as the highlight of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, showcasing the beauty and talent of the sport, even in the face of controversy.
