Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has been crowned the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner after an outstanding season.
This marks the first time the 28-year-old has received the prestigious award.
Rodri, who experienced just one loss last season with both club and country, accepted the honor in Paris following Spain’s victory in Euro 2024 in July.
He also played a key role in Manchester City’s triumphs in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup.
Becoming the first player in Manchester City’s history to win the Ballon d’Or, Rodri edged out Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr., who finished second, while Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham claimed third place—the highest finish for an English player since Frank Lampard’s second place in 2005.
Despite Real Madrid winning the Club of the Year award and their manager Carlo Ancelotti receiving the Men’s Coach of the Year title, no representatives from the club attended the ceremony.
Reports indicated that Real Madrid boycotted the event after learning Vinicius would not win the Ballon d’Or.
“This is a very special day for me, my family, and my country,” Rodri said, appearing on stage with crutches due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in September.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the best footballer of the year, based on votes from a panel of journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA men’s world rankings.
Rodri playing for Manchester City.
Notably, this marks the first time since 2003 that neither Lionel Messi, an eight-time winner, nor Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner, appeared among the nominees.
After helping Manchester City achieve a historic Treble in 2023, Rodri had finished fifth in last year’s Ballon d’Or rankings.
