Ballon d’Or – Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, France – October 28, 2024 Spain’s and Manchester City’s Rodri with the Ballon d’Or. (REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier)
Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or award in the male category on Monday during the ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.
The 28-year-old, who was a leading figure in Manchester City’s English Premier League title triumph also played a pivotal role in Spain’s European Championship triumph.
“An incredible night for me. It’s a special day for me, my family and my country,” Rodri said upon receiving the award.
“I always try to improve every day, the level of my game, [playing] the modern holding midfielder role, playing further forward. I’m just a normal guy, I enjoy sport, enjoy my profession. I try to be a good person, try to be a leader. I’m a calm person, until I get upset. I’d like to show the kids that you don’t have to be crazy, you can be a normal guy, try to do your best,” he added.
Finishing behind him in the tally was Vinicius Jr, who didn’t attend the award ceremony as didn’t any of his Real Madrid teammates or Carlo Ancelotti, who was named the best coach in the men’s division. Earlier, reports from Spain had suggested that Madrid had boycotted to attend the event after they learned that the Brazilian didn’t win the award for the best men’s player.
The La Liga and UEFA Champions League winners of the last season went on to win the men’s club of the year award.
Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmati won the women’s Ballon d’Or after having led Barcelona Femeni to a treble winning season and having won the Women’s World Cup with Spain.
Other awards
Best women’s club: Barcelona Femeni
Best goalkeeper (male): Emiliano Martinez
Best young player: Lamine Yamal
Best women’s coach: Emma Hayes (Chelsea)
Gerd Muller award (most goals): Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe (52 goals)
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