Manchester City and Spain’s most influential midfielder, Rodri, recently rose above competition for Ballon d’Or 2024, taking the trophy away from leftovers such as Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid and young Jude Bellingham. But it’s not all celebration as Rodri slowly became one of the most hated football players for his sudden win.
Football lovers had mixed feelings on the night of the 2024 Ballon d’Or. It was the end of what we had known as the Messi-Ronaldo era. It was good because it brought new young stars, but it was immediately shrouded with much controversy after Real Madrid’s surprising no-show. Let’s break it down and see if Rodri deserved the win or if it was all for the cameras.
The Unexpected Ballon d’Or 2024 Winner: Rodri’s Rise
Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Rodri was the surprise winner of Ballon d’Or 2024, leaving many speechless-for those who had their money on Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid. But this was no ordinary victory. Rodri became only the second Spaniard-after Luis Suárez in 1960-and the first true defensive midfielder to claim the Ballon d’Or.
Here’s what fueled Rodri’s claim to fame:
- Trophy Haul: He won a fourth straight Premier League title with Manchester City and was an important factor in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024; he even went home with the Player of the Tournament award.
- The Quiet Maestro: Rodri’s influence goes way past goals and assists. For many, he is described as the best No. 6 in the game, dictating the flow of the game with his defensive prowess and intelligent passing.
The Disgruntled Favorite: Vinicius Jr.’s Snub
Many tipped Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d’Or 2024. Still, all those dazzling displays in Real Madrid – where his heroics in the Champions League particularly sent fans into raptures – wasn’t replicated much when he donned the colors of the Brazilian national team. Controversies that surrounded his on-pitch conduct might also have eroded his image before the voters.
Adding fuel to the fire, Real Madrid boycotted the event altogether—a party of strong fifty including awardees such as Kylian Mbappe and manager Carlo Ancelotti, to that. The Spanish giants felt disrespected by the result, insinuating the criteria for selecting the winner favored Rodri over their player, Vinicius Jr.
Was it a Fix or Fair Play?
The Ballon d’Or 2024 is a journalist-voted award, so individual performance, the impact on big games, and team achievements are considered. As much as Vinicius Jr. enjoyed a great season, Rodri’s consistency and general contribution to club and country provide a real message.
Here’s what makes the case for Rodri:
- The Unsung Hero: Defensive midfielders rarely get much talk, but Rodri’s presence in Manchester City’s game cannot be denied.
- Tournament Dominance: His Player of the Tournament performance at Euro 2024 was the surest evidence of his undoubted leadership and influence in Spain’s triumph.
However, Vinicius Jr.’s supporters raise valid points too:
- Individual Brilliance: He is a game-changer, able to flip matches with his dazzling skills and goal-scoring prowess.
Ultimately, the Ballon d’Or 2024 is subjective. Such debate will continue, but surely nobody can disregard the fact that Rodri and Vinicius Jr. are outstanding talents who should be on the radar. However, this year’s situation showed that it is high time to explain some problems relating to voting and the criteria for the further definition of the footballer who can be called the best in the world.
Who Else Won at the Ballon d’Or 2024?
Despite the shocking boycott of Real Madrid at the Ballon d’Or 2024, many players and their teams were still in attendance to celebrate football at its finest. With that, here are the other winners presented at the Ballon d’Or ceremony:
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain)
- Kopa Trophy (Best U21 Player): Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona, Spain)
- Top Scorers of the Year: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England) and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
- Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa, Argentina)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid, Italy)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes (Chelsea/USA, England)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Real Madrid (Spain)
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona (Spain)
- Socrates Award (Social Contribution in Football): Jenni Hermoso (Spain)
