Manchester City star Rodri Hernandez made history on Monday night by being crowned the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. This prestigious accolade marks a significant achievement in Rodri's career and highlights his exceptional contributions to both his club and national team over the past year.
The Spanish midfielder triumphed over strong contenders, particularly the favored Real Madrid duo of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, to secure the coveted award, showcasing his impressive performances throughout the season.
Rodri's influence on Manchester City was pivotal, helping the team maintain an astonishing 74 consecutive games unbeaten, which played a crucial role in their Premier League victory last season. His resilience and skill on the field were vital for the club's success, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the sport.
In addition to his club achievements, Rodri also had a remarkable international campaign, inspiring Spain to win the Euro 2024 championship. The Spanish team secured their victory by defeating England in a thrilling final match, where Rodri played an instrumental role, participating in six out of the seven matches during the tournament.
The ceremony also recognized Real Madrid as the Men’s Club of the Year, further acknowledging their significant achievements in the football world. Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti was honored with the title of Best Male Manager of the Year, reflecting his outstanding leadership skills and management capabilities.
Despite these accolades, there was notable tension surrounding the event, as no representatives from Real Madrid attended the ceremony. This absence was largely due to the situation involving Vinicius Junior, who chose to boycott the event upon learning he would not win the best player award, signaling his disappointment with the outcome.
In another highlight of the evening, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was awarded the 2024 Yachine Trophy Winner, recognizing his outstanding performances as a goalkeeper in the past year.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati continued her remarkable run by being named the female Best Player for the second consecutive year, underlining her dominance and excellence in women's football.