Faith Nyasuguta
In a dazzling ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, Rodri, Manchester City and Spain’s midfield maestro, was crowned the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or. This prestigious accolade comes after an extraordinary year where Rodri played a pivotal role in helping Spain secure the Euro 2024 title in July. Additionally, he led Manchester City to triumph in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, cementing his reputation as one of the world’s finest footballers.
The 28-year-old Spaniard expressed his gratitude and pride while accepting the award, highlighting the significance of teamwork and dedication. Rodri’s victory marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d’Or, breaking the dominance of previous winners and showcasing the club’s rise on the global stage.
Despite the grandeur of the event, it was impossible to overlook the noticeable absence of Real Madrid representatives. The Spanish giants chose to boycott the prestigious ceremony, citing perceived disrespect after learning that Vinicius Junior would not be named male player of the year.
This decision also meant that Kylian Mbappe missed the chance to collect the Gerd Muller trophy he won jointly with Harry Kane. The Gerd Muller trophy is awarded to the top goal scorers in the major leagues, and the absence of such key figures left a palpable gap at the event.
Real Madrid’s absence, however, did not overshadow the achievements celebrated during the night. Barcelona took center stage in the women’s category, being named the Women’s Club of the Year after defeating Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final for their third European title in four years. Emma Hayes, the mastermind behind Chelsea’s success, was deservedly named Women’s Coach of the Year, recognizing her tactical acumen and leadership.
Rodri’s win was a culmination of an exceptional season that saw him shine on both domestic and international fronts. His consistent performances and ability to influence games from midfield have set him apart. The midfielder’s accolades extend beyond the pitch, where his professionalism and sportsmanship have made him a role model for aspiring footballers.
Throughout the evening, other notable mentions included Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, who secured the second and third spots in the Ballon d’Or rankings, respectively. Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lautaro Martinez also received recognition for their stellar performances over the past year.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony, co-hosted by Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and French sports journalist Sandy Heribert, not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted the collective spirit and achievements within the footballing world. The night marked the end of Lionel Messi’s era as Ballon d’Or holder, ushering in a new chapter with Rodri’s historic win.
The event underscored the evolving landscape of football, where new talents continue to emerge, challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of the sport. As the footballing world continues to evolve, the recognition of players like Rodri signifies the shifting dynamics and the global nature of the game.
While Real Madrid’s decision to snub the ceremony added a layer of controversy, the evening remained a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of footballers worldwide. The recognition of achievements, both on and off the pitch, continues to inspire future generations and elevate the beautiful game to new heights.
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