The Ballon d’Or is still one of the most sought-after individual awards in football, its history unrivalled when it comes to identifying the best players on the international stage. The 2024 edition of the Ballon d’Or continued this tradition, with notable winners and significant events that marked the ceremony of the ballon d’or 2024.
Ballon d’Or Significance & History
The Ballon d’Or, also known as the Golden Ball, is awarded annually by France Football magazine to the best male football player in the world, based on votes from a panel of international journalists. Established in 1956, the award initially recognized the best European footballer but has since evolved to honor the best player worldwide. The award’s prestige is underscored by its long history and the caliber of players who have won it, including legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and more recently, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Men’s Ballon d’Or 2024 Winner
Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri made history by becoming the first player from his club to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2024. At age 28, Rodri’s triumph is particularly noteworthy as he joins the rare company of central midfielders to win the award, following Luka Modrić (2018) and Kaka (2007). This marked a significant moment as it was the first time in two decades that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were among the nominees, signaling a new era in football.
Rodri’s impact extended well beyond his statistics, representing a shift in focus from pure goal-scoring prowess to the role of a deep-lying midfielder as a tactical leader. His influential play helped Manchester City capture the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup titles, and he was pivotal in Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign, where he was named Player of the Tournament. His exceptional season included:
- Record-breaking 3,359 successful passes in the Premier League
- Nine goals and 13 assists for Manchester City
- Key roles in winning the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and Euro 2024
- Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024
Women’s Ballon d’Or 2024 Winner
In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí took home her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, reaffirming her position among the elite in women’s football. Bonmatí’s performance at both the club and international levels showcased her leadership and technical prowess, making her invaluable to Barcelona’s title wins and Spain’s Nations League victory. Her back-to-back win highlights the global rise of Spanish women’s football, further illustrated by the success of Spanish players across categories.
Ballon d’Or 2024 Controversy
Rodri’s win was unexpected by many who anticipated the award might go to Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. The young Brazilian forward led Madrid to La Liga and Champions League victories, leaving fans disappointed when Rodri emerged as the winner. Dissatisfied with the outcome, Madrid boycotted the ceremony entirely, a decision fueled by the conviction that Vinícius, whose goal-scoring and activism against racism had defined his season, was the rightful winner.
Other Awards and Highlights
- Kopa Trophy: Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal received the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best under-21 player. His creative presence on the field has made him a standout talent, drawing admiration from fans and professionals.
- Yashin Trophy: The best goalkeeper title, the Yashin Trophy, went to Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa. Recognized for his resilience and crucial saves, Martínez won the award for the second consecutive year, cementing his status as one of the world’s premier goalkeepers.
- Gerd Müller Trophy: Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé shared the trophy for top goalscorer, each netting 52 goals over the season and underscoring their remarkable consistency and game-changing impact at the highest level.
- Socrates Award: In an award celebrating humanitarian efforts, Spain’s Jenni Hermoso was honored with the Socrates Award for her advocacy work on sexual abuse awareness, amplifying her influence beyond the field.
Club and Coach Awards
- Men’s Club of the Year: Real Madrid won this honor, recognized for their outstanding domestic and European campaigns, further solidifying their legacy as one of the top clubs globally.
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona, fresh from a season of unprecedented success in women’s football, took home this award, reflecting their dominance and commitment to excellence.
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti was awarded the Johan Cruyff Trophy, acknowledging his tactical expertise and leadership in guiding Madrid to multiple victories.
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes, a renowned name in women’s football, received the award for her work with Chelsea and her new role with the USA women’s national team.
Legacy and Impact
Rodri’s win marks a breakthrough in the game as individual awards have historically favoured goal-scoring, attacking players. Social activism also took center stage, highlighted by Vinícius Júnior’s campaign against racism and Jenni Hermoso’s advocacy around sexual abuse awareness, for which she was recognized with the Socrates Award. This comprehensive overview of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony captures both the celebratory moments and the controversies that made it a memorable event in football history, marking what appears to be the dawn of a new era in the sport’s highest individual honors.
The 2024 ceremony marked a significant shift in football’s landscape:
- First time in two decades neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were among the nominees
- Increased recognition for defensive midfield excellence over traditional attacking roles
- Emphasis on both sporting achievement and social impact
- Strong representation of Spanish football across multiple categories
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony was a landmark event, highlighting the emergence of new footballing talents and the continued excellence of established stars. With Rodri and Aitana Bonmati leading the way, the awards celebrated individual brilliance alongside the collective achievements of clubs and coaches. The ceremony underscored the global nature of football and the diverse talents that contribute to the sport’s ongoing evolution.
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