The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony brought together some of the world’s most talented footballers at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. The event celebrated individual brilliance and team achievements, crowning Manchester City’s Rodri as the best men’s player and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati as the top women’s footballer for the second consecutive year. However, the night was not without controversy, as Real Madrid’s absence cast a shadow over the proceedings.
Rodri Claims the Men’s Ballon d’Or
Rodri emerged as the winner of the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or, marking a significant milestone in his career. The defensive midfielder, known for his consistency and work ethic, overcame competition from favorites like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Rodri’s victory symbolizes the increasing recognition of midfielders’ roles in modern football, particularly for players who provide stability and control without the glamour of goal-scoring records.
Rodri, currently recovering from an ACL injury, attended the ceremony on crutches and expressed his gratitude. “It’s an incredible night for me. I always strive to improve with every game,” he said, acknowledging the support of family, teammates, and the footballing community. His partner joined him to celebrate their eighth anniversary, adding a personal touch to the evening.
This victory marked a first for Manchester City, with Rodri becoming the club’s inaugural Ballon d’Or winner. His contributions over the past 18 months have been pivotal, including securing the Champions League title and excelling for Spain in their flawless Euro 2024 campaign. City’s director of football praised Rodri’s humility and dedication, emphasizing how his performances consistently reflect hard work.
Aitana Bonmati Secures Back-to-Back Ballon d’Or Feminin
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati solidified her place among the sport’s elite, winning the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the second year running. Bonmati has been instrumental in Barcelona’s dominance, leading them to domestic and international success, including victories in the Champions League.
Her performances during the 2023-24 season were marked by elegance and efficiency, with the midfielder dictating games from the center of the pitch. Bonmati’s win underscores the strength of Spanish women’s football, with multiple Barcelona players filling the podium.
Jennifer Hermoso, another Barcelona star, received the Socrates Award for her role in advocating for women’s rights and her stand against sexism in football. The honor highlighted her courage following the controversy surrounding Spain’s World Cup victory and the challenges she faced off the pitch.
Real Madrid’s No-Show Sparks Controversy
One of the evening’s most talked-about moments was Real Madrid’s decision not to attend the ceremony. The Spanish club, which had multiple players nominated and won or shared several awards, chose to boycott the event. Vinicius Junior, the runner-up for the men’s Ballon d’Or, was expected to be a leading contender. However, when it became apparent that Rodri would win, Madrid scrapped plans for a 50-person delegation and canceled a broadcast scheduled for the ceremony.
The club expressed frustration with the selection criteria, implying that either Vinicius or Dani Carvajal should have been recognized. Their statement hinted at a lack of respect toward the club, reinforcing tensions between Real Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organizers.
Despite their absence, Madrid’s players performed well in the final rankings. Vinicius finished second, with Jude Bellingham in third and Carvajal also placing high. Kylian Mbappé, another prominent figure associated with Madrid rumors, ranked sixth.
Notable Awards and Recognitions
The ceremony featured several additional honors. Lamine Yamal, a rising star from Barcelona, won the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player, cementing his reputation as one of football’s brightest prospects. His performances for Spain in the Euro 2024 tournament further validated the award.
Emma Hayes, coach of Chelsea’s women’s team, received the Johan Cruyff Award, recognizing her as the top manager in women’s football. The accolade reflects Hayes’ success in elevating Chelsea to European prominence and her influence on the women’s game.
In the goalkeeping category, Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez claimed his second consecutive Yashin Trophy. His performances for both club and country, including his heroics in the Copa America, made him the standout choice.
The Gerd Müller Trophy for top scorer was shared between Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. While Kane attended the event, Mbappé’s absence added to the intrigue surrounding player commitments to the ceremony.
A Night of Triumph and Drama
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony encapsulated the complexities of modern football, balancing celebrations of individual brilliance with the politics of club dynamics. Rodri’s victory as a defensive midfielder signaled a shift in how the sport recognizes contributions beyond goal-scoring, while Bonmati’s back-to-back wins highlighted the growing prominence of women’s football.
Real Madrid’s boycott was a reminder that the Ballon d’Or remains as much a reflection of football’s political landscape as it is an acknowledgment of individual talent. Yet, despite the controversies, the evening celebrated the beautiful game’s ability to inspire, with players like Rodri and Bonmati leading the way.
