Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has won the Ballon d’Or 2024, which is annual footballing award presented by France Football. In a glittering event on 28th October 2024, the 28-year-old footballer eclipsed past Brazilian striker Vinicius Jr. to win the event.
Rodri had a fantastic outing in the UEFA Euro 2024 and helped Spain lift the title by beating England. He also played a pivotal role in Manchester City winning their 4th consecutive Premier League title in 2023-24.
The 28-year-old footballer was named the player of the tournament in the UEFA Euro 2024 which was held in Germany. Upon winning the title, he gave an emotional speech at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
“Winning the Ballon d’Or is the realisation of a dream and a genuine honour for me. I have given so much to football, and to be rewarded this evening with the most revered individual prize in the game is something incredibly special for me and my family,” said the Manchester City midfielder.
“However, individual prizes are so often the result of strong team performances, and I am eternally grateful to everyone at Manchester City. My teammates are the best – I could not ask for more from them, both personally and professionally – and the support I receive from across every department at the football club means I am given the opportunity to focus on my football and preform at my very best. I am very fortunate to be able call myself a Manchester City player,” he added.
Vinicius Jr. snubbed at Ballon d’Or
Real Madrid and Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr., who won both the La Liga 2023-24 and the UEFA Champions League 2023-24, finished in the 2nd position in the rankings. He had netted 15 goals and had 5 assists in the La Liga 2023-24 for Real Madrid.
Notably, in the UEFA Champions League 2023-24, Vinicius Jr. had scored 6 goals and had 10 goal contributions that included 4 assists.
Aitana Bonmati wins back-to-back Women’s Ballon d’Or titles
Spain and Barcelona striker Aitana Bonmati won back-to-back Women’s Ballon d’Or titles in Paris. She became the second woman after Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, to win the title on 2 occasions and on back-to-back times.
Also read: No Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo! When Was The Last Time This Duo Didn’t Feature In Ballon d’Or?
