Rodri Claims First Ballon d’Or in Historic Win

Rodri of Manchester City and Spain Wins First Men’s Ballon d’Or, Madrid Sweeps Club and Coaching Honors

Manchester City and Spain’s Rodri has earned the prestigious Ballon d’Or, marking his first win for the world-renowned award, given to the year’s best footballer. This historic recognition makes Rodri the first Manchester City player to receive the Ballon d’Or. At 28, he capped a season in which he lost only one match across club and country, lifting the trophy after leading Spain to a Euro 2024 title and contributing to City’s Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup victories.

Rodri accepted the award in Paris, arriving on crutches after sustaining an ACL injury in September. Reflecting on this win, he dedicated it to Spanish football and celebrated midfielders whose contributions often go unseen, including past Spanish stars such as Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. Despite finishing fifth in last year’s Ballon d’Or, Rodri’s consistent performance, pivotal play for City, and role in Spain’s Euro victory solidified his position as one of the world’s leading footballers.

Real Madrid also gained significant recognition at the ceremony, winning Club of the Year and seeing manager Carlo Ancelotti honored with the inaugural Johan Cruyff Trophy for Best Coach. However, Madrid representatives were absent, reportedly in protest following speculation that Vinicius Jr., a Ballon d’Or favorite, would not take home the top prize. Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham were ranked second and third respectively in Ballon d’Or voting.

***Kopa Trophy wins 2024 Lamine Yamal,***

Other top awards included the Kopa Trophy for Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s talented 17-year-old winger, celebrated as the best young player after a standout season with Barcelona and as part of Spain’s Euro-winning squad. The Gerd Muller Trophy, awarded to the year’s top scorer, was shared between England’s Harry Kane and France’s Kylian Mbappe for each scoring 52 goals. Kane accepted the award alone due to Mbappe’s absence and expressed gratitude to Bayern Munich and the staff that supported him. Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez won his second consecutive Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, a feat reflecting his stellar performances at both club and international levels.

Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win is significant as it marks the first award since 2003 in which neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo appeared on the nominees list, signaling a new era in the sport.

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