Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has been able to top as the first one with the men’s Ballon d’Or Award given to the best player in the whole year. These trophies, being at 28 years old, have been critical in such fantastic triumphs for Manchester City which, for the first time, won the treble; he also made them triumphant in Euro 2024 for Spain. There is a first time wherein it is now possible for anyone from Manchester City to lift this most treasured Ballon d’Or.
From the entire season, what was just one defeat among all competitions, Rodri was among the standouts as City won the prestigious titles in the Premier League and UEFA Super Cup and further the Club World Cup title. He took the prize ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., with teammate Jude Bellingham finishing the highest rank for an English player since Frank Lampard in 2005.
Speaking in an emotional address, Rodri paid tribute to the legacy of Spanish football as he included legends such as Iniesta, Xavi, and Casillas. “It’s not just my success; it’s for Spanish football and the thousands and thousands of midfielders nobody talks about,” he added, still standing on stage with the aid of crutches.
The ceremony also witnessed Real Madrid win the Club of the Year award, with their manager Carlo Ancelotti winning the first Johan Cruyff Trophy for Best Coach. However, the officials from Real Madrid did not attend, as sources say that the club boycotted the event because of speculation that Vinicius Jr. was not going to win.
In other awards, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Muller Trophy for scoring 52 goals each last season. England’s Kane, now with Bayern Munich, accepted the award solo. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the top player under 21, while Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez claimed his second Yashin Trophy for Best Goalkeeper.
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