Ballon d'Or 2024: Rodri makes History and List of Winners

Manchester City midfielder Rodri became the first player in Manchester City history to win the ballon d’Or. The Spanish footballer was named the winner of the golden trophy ahead of Brazil’s star winger Vinicius Jr. and England’s attacker Jude Bellingham. Barcelona footballer Aitana Bonmati won her second successive women’s Ballon d’Or after playing a starring role in her club’s continental quadruple of titles and winning the Nations League with Spain. 

The Ballon d’Or 2024 award ceremony at the theatre du Chatelet, Paris, however was spoiled with controversy after the Real Madrid spurned the event as it became clear that Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, who won the Spanish title La Liga and Europe’s Champions League with the Spanish club, will not be considered a winner despite being seen as everyone’s favorite.

Real Madrid controversy

Despite Ballon d’Or organizers claiming that the winner’s identity was secret, reports of Vinicus not winning the desired honor swarmed social media hours before the ceremony. Real Madrid then stated that their delegation would skip the event in protest of what was seen as an insult for the Brazilian winger. 

The Ballon d’Or 2024 award winner, Rodri, had a practical response to Madrid’s absence during the post award press conference.

Full list of winners at the 2024 Ballon d’Or:

Men’s Ballon d’Or: Rodri (ESP/Manchester City)

Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmati (ESP/Barcelona)

Johan Cruyff Award for best men’s coach: Carlo Ancelotti (ITA/Real Madrid)

Johan Cruyff Award for best women’s coach: Emma Hayes (ENG/ex-Chelsea, currently  USA women’s national team)

Gerd Mueller trophy for top scorer: Kylian Mbappe (FRA/ ex-Paris Saint-Germain) and Harry Kane (ENG/Bayern Munich) - both scored 52 goals

Raymond Kopa Award for best young player: Lamine Yamal (ESP/Barcelona)

Lev Yashin Award for best goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (ARG/Aston Villa)

Socrates Prize for charity work: Jenifer Hermoso (ESP/Tigres Monterrey)

Best men’s team: Real Madrid

Best women’s team: Barcelona