Football lovers are supposed to be a little surprised when the name of the Ballon d’Or winner is announced. All the equations pointed to Vinicius Jr. going to win this prestigious title. However, Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Rodri won the award by surprising everyone. Rodri received the prestigious individual award in a grand ceremony at the Theater du Chatelet in Paris on Monday night Bangladesh time.
In the race to be the best, Rodri left behind Vinicius and another star of Real, Jude Bellingham. Last season, Brazilian winger Vinny and English midfielder Bellingham won La Liga, Spanish Super Cup and Champions League for Real. Rodri tasted Premier League and Club World Cup titles in the jersey of English club Man City. He also lifted the European Championship trophy for the national team Spain.
The Ballon d’Or is the world’s most prestigious individual award for footballers. The award is given by the football magazine ‘France Football’. It started its journey in 1956. This is the 68th Ballon d’Or ceremony. Over time, it has become football’s highest award at an individual level.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati became the best footballer of the year for the second time in a row in the women’s category. Left behind two club teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Parayuello.
Ballon d’Or 2024 at a glance:
Young Footballer of the Year: Lamine Yamal.
Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona.
Men’s Club of the Year: Real Madrid.
Striker of the year: Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.
Male Goalkeeper of the Year: Emiliano Martinez
Men’s Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti.
Women’s Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes.
Socrates Award: Henifer Hermoso.
Female Footballer of the Year: Aitana Bonmati.
Male Footballer of the Year: Rodri.
