Rodri Crowned Men’s Ballon d’Or 2024 Winner on a Night of High Drama

The Ballon d’Or always stirs up controversy and several talking points, and last night’s ceremony was no different. Manchester City and Spanish midfielder Rodri clinched his first Ballon d’Or, but the Spaniard’s big night was overshadowed by the events that took place before the ceremony even started.

Rodri was the star of the night, as he was named the men’s 2024 Ballon d’Or winner after winning his fourth successive Premier League title with Manchester City as well as leading Spain to the 2024 Euro triumph. Despite the 28-year-old's incredible season, many felt that Vinicius Junior was the deserved winner. The 24-year-old Brazilian was instrumental in Los Blancos’ La Liga and Champions League triumphs. In fact, Vini even scored the all-important second goal in UCL final against Dortmund to clinch Real’s 15th UCL title.  

However, hours before the ceremony, Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior were informed that the Brazilian would not be crowned the Ballon d’Or winner. As a result, the entire Real Madrid contingent – including coach Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Fede Valverde, Dani Carvajal, Vini, Jude Bellingham and President Florentino Perez – decided to skip the Ballon d'Or ceremony as a response to what they felt was a clear snub of Vinícius Jr. The 24-year-old forward put up remarkable numbers last season, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. In fact, among the top three Ballon d'Or finalists—Vinícius, Rodri, and Bellingham—he boasted the most goal contributions, a fact that only added to the frustration within the Madrid camp. 

Despite not attending the ceremony, Real Madrid were named the men’s team of the year. The Spanish giants made their displeasure very evident during an interview with AFP. The club representatives said, “If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. "As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d'Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected." When the media asked the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner about Real Madrid’s no-show, Rodri gave a very diplomatic answer and stated that he’s more focused on his club and his teammates. He said, “They have their decision, they didn't want to be here for their reasons. I just focus on my club and my team-mates." 

Alongside Rodri's big win, Barcelona and Spain's Aitana Bonmatí celebrated her second consecutive Ballon d'Or triumph after steering her club to an incredible continental quadruple and lifting the Nations League with Spain. Aston Villa’s Emi Martínez took home the Lev Yashin Award as the year's best goalkeeper, while Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal was honored with the Kopa Trophy for the best U-21 player. Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé also made their mark, each receiving the Gerd Müller Trophy for their scoring feats, having netted an impressive 52 goals apiece in the 2023-24 season.