2024 Ballon d’Or Awards: Rodri and Aitana Bonmati Shine as Football’s Finest

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, celebrated the incredible achievements of the world’s best footballers, with Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati taking home the prestigious awards for the men’s and women’s categories.

Rodri: A First for Defensive Midfielders in Premier League History

Rodri, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, made history as the first Premier League player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 to win the Ballon d’Or. The 28-year-old Spaniard had a phenomenal season, contributing to Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title and securing the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain. Known for his vision, control, and unmatched defensive skills, Rodri was a crucial force in City’s successful campaigns and Spain’s Euro triumph, where he won the Best Player award despite an injury that saw him leave the final early.

This achievement marks a new chapter in Ballon d’Or history, as Rodri becomes the first defensive midfielder to win the award, a feat unmatched since the award’s inception in 1956. Speaking at the ceremony, an emotional Rodri expressed gratitude to his family, his teammates, and his girlfriend, Laura, calling it a “special day” for Spanish football. He also acknowledged Manchester City, hailing it as “the best club in the world” for enabling him to reach such heights in his career.

Aitana Bonmati: Dominating Women’s Football

On the women’s side, Barcelona’s playmaker Aitana Bonmati took home the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the second consecutive year. Bonmati, a critical figure in both La Liga F and the UEFA Women’s Champions League, helped Barcelona secure the Champions League title for the third time in four years. Her creativity, technical prowess, and leadership on the field have established her as one of the most talented players in women’s football.

At just 26, Bonmati’s back-to-back Ballon d’Or wins place her among the elite, following in the footsteps of her Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas, who previously won the award twice. Bonmati’s dominance underscores Barcelona’s success, with the club also claiming the women’s club of the year title after an impressive season that included victories over top European teams.

Highlights from the Ceremony

– Real Madrid’s Absence: In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony, expressing frustration over Vinicius Junior’s snub for the men’s award. Despite being named the men’s club of the year, Madrid’s absence was a statement of protest, with Vinicius posting a defiant message on social media.

– Other Awards: Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal was awarded the Kopa Trophy for the best male player under 21, while Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez retained the Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper for the second year running. Both young talent and veteran skill were celebrated, showcasing the diverse range of excellence in modern football.

– Special Mentions: Former Chelsea Women’s coach Emma Hayes received the award for women’s coach of the year, while Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti was honored as the men’s coach of the year, highlighting exceptional leadership in both women’s and men’s football.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or awards were a night of historic wins, emotional speeches, and groundbreaking achievements, cementing the legacies of Rodri and Bonmati. As these players continue to inspire fans worldwide, their victories are a testament to dedication, resilience, and the evolving world of football.