Mumbai, October 29: Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been named the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or winner following his outstanding performance during the 2023-24 season, in which he helped his club secure the English Premier League title for the fourth consecutive time. Rodri also played a crucial role for the Spanish national team, contributing to their victory at the 2024 Euros in Germany, where they defeated England 2-1 in July. He was named Player of the Tournament. Vinicius Jr Reacts After Missing Out on Ballon d’Or 2024 Award, Real Madrid Star Says ‘They Are Not Ready’ (See Post).
The 28-year-old defensive midfielder was instrumental throughout last season, providing defensive stability as well as key passes for both his club and country, totalling 14 assists in all competitions. Additionally, Rodri scored 10 goals during the 2023-24 season.
Ballon d'Or 2024: Rodri, Aitana Bonmati And Other Winners At Award Ceremony
With this win, he becomes the first Premier League player to receive the Ballon d'Or since Cristiano Ronaldo did so in 2008 while at Manchester United. After Rodri's victory, his City teammate and German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan expressed his excitement on X.
Ilkay Gundogan Congratulates Rodri
From today on he is finally not 'underrated' anymore 😜 Congratulations to my teammate Rodri on wining the Ballon d'Or! For me this is very well deserved! I'm especially happy that someone on a defensive position is winning this title and not always just the offensive players!… pic.twitter.com/MFluK8j1ui
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) October 28, 2024
Notably, Brazilian forward and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr was also a frontrunner for the award ahead of the ceremony but finished second, while his Real Madrid teammate and English midfielder Jude Bellingham took third.
Meanwhile, Barcelona Femeni player Aitana Bonmati won the women's Ballon d'Or for the second consecutive time. Ballon d'Or Winners List: Check Names of Footballers Who Have Won Prestigious Award By France Football.
Additionally, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti received the Johan Cruyff Trophy as the men's coach of the year, while former Chelsea coach Emma Hayes took home the women's award after leading the USA to Olympic gold this summer. Real Madrid was also recognised as the men's club of the year.
Barcelona wonder kid and Spanish winger, Yamine Lamal was awarded the Kopa Trophy for the best male player under the age of 21, while Argentine and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin Trophy for the second time in a row.
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