Victory and Boycott: Rodri wins the 2024 Ballon d’Or

The 2024 Ballon d’Or award ceremony took place at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet, one of the prestigious events in the French football world. However, this year’s ceremony has caused widespread repercussions in the football community with unexpected results and a boycott by Real Madrid. Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City and the Spanish national team, was awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid decided to boycott the ceremony after Rodri was awarded the prize instead of Vinicius Jr. who was considered a shoo-in.

The Rise of Rodri

In the 2023/24 season, Rodri drew attention with his outstanding performances at both club and national team level. Rodri won his fourth consecutive Premier League title with Manchester City and played a key role in the team’s success. In the same period, he also made important contributions to Spain’s championship at EURO 2024 in Germany. UEFA recognized Rodri as the Best Player of EURO 2024. Rodri, 28, is the first Spanish footballer to win the Ballon d’Or since Luis Suarez Miramontes in 1960. Leading sports news websites such as Goal.com and UEFA.com have highlighted Rodri’s consistent performances and the value he brings to the team.

The Road to Victory

• Four consecutive Premier League titles with Manchester City
• EURO 2024 triumph with the Spanish national team
• Named the Best Player of EURO 2024

Real Madrid’s Boycott and Reactions

Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win was a big disappointment for Real Madrid. After the club’s star Vinicius Jr. failed to win the award, Real Madrid reacted by not attending the ceremony. Real Madrid criticized the transparency of the voting process conducted by France Football and decided to boycott it. Club officials described the decision as disrespectful, while La Liga President Javier Tebas also harshly criticized Real Madrid.

• Vinicius Jr. said on his social media account, “I will do 10 times more if necessary. They are not ready.” He gave a strong message.
• Coach Carlo Ancelotti did not attend the ceremony despite receiving the “Coach of the Year” award.
• Javier Tebas called Real Madrid’s boycott “classlessness” and a “victim complex”.

Other Awards and Winners

The Ballon d’Or award ceremony was not limited to Rodri’s victory. The women’s Ballon d’Or was won by Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati. The Kopa Trophy went to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. The Yashin Trophy went to Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa. The Gerd Müller Trophy was shared by Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) and Kylian Mbappe (PSG/Real Madrid).

• Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
• Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
• Yashin Trophy: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
• Gerd Müller Trophy: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) and Kylian Mbappe (PSG/Real Madrid)
• Club of the Year (Men): Real Madrid
• Club of the Year (Women): Barcelona
• Technical Director of the Year (Men): Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
• Coach of the Year (Women): Emma Hayes (Chelsea/USA)

Rodri’s triumph in the Ballon d’Or awards indicates that non-attacking players can also win this prestigious award. However, Real Madrid’s boycott overshadowed the ceremony. Although protested by Real Madrid, the Ballon d’Or awards are clearly dominated by Spanish football and its players. The 2024 Ballon d’Or award ceremony will likely go down in football history for Rodri’s personal success and Real Madrid’s boycott.

*Photos: FMT – NTV – Antena2