Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder and Spanish international, was awarded the 2024 Ballon d'Or on October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This recognition comes after a remarkable season where he played a pivotal role in his club's successes, including winning the Premier League and the Club World Cup, despite suffering a serious knee injury earlier this season.
The ceremony, however, was not without controversy. Real Madrid, who had several nominees including Vinicius Junior, boycotted the event in protest after Rodri's victory was announced. The club expressed dissatisfaction with the voting process, claiming that Vinicius deserved the award based on his performance.
In addition to Rodri's accolade, Aitana Bonmati was named the best female player for the second consecutive year, while 17-year-old Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player. The event highlighted the achievements of Spanish football, with Marca celebrating the triumphs of its players.
Real Madrid's absence from the ceremony and their subsequent statement reflect growing tensions within the sport regarding recognition and respect among clubs and players. The implications of this incident may influence future interactions between the club and award organizers.