Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí Win Ballon d'Or Titles as Real Madrid Oppose Results

Spanish A-listers Compete in the Ballon d'Or, but Not Without Scandal

It was a memorable night for Spanish football as Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d'Or award, which celebrates excellence in men's and women's football. The 2024 player-of-the-year awards ceremony in Paris showcased the elite talent of 2024, with Spain's brightest stars at the center. However, all the excitement didn't come without controversy, with Real Madrid boycotting Rodri's victory over their own star, Vinícius Jr.

Rodri's Season of Excellence for Manchester City and Spain

Rodri, Manchester City's midfield wizard, picked up his first Ballon d'Or after a fantastic season. After an amazing 2024, when City won a record fourth Premier League title and Spain won Euro 2024, Rodri was a clear candidate due to his consistent quality. His development as a player, especially his presence in the final third, made him stand out. As Rodri described his journey, “All the toil, those dark days, now it's paid off.”

Rodri's victory was far from comfortable, he overcame Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr., who had been widely expected to take the trophy after outstanding performances that helped secure Real Madrid's 15th Champions League title and another La Liga win. Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid also finished third. Rodri's contributions to Manchester City and Spain have made him one of the most complete midfielders in the modern game.

Aitana Bonmatí Wins Her Second Straight Ballon d'Or Féminin

Meanwhile, Barcelona Femení's captain Aitana Bonmatí collected her second consecutive Ballon d'Or Féminin, further cementing her status as one of the elite women's footballers. Bonmatí was instrumental in guiding Barcelona to a record four titles, winning Liga F, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa de la Reina. She thanked her teammates and noted that it wasn't only her work but also the collective skills of her team that helped her to the top. The award was presented to her by Hollywood actress Natalie Portman, who hailed Bonmatí as a "hero to many."

Bonmatí finished ahead of her talented Barcelona teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, who came second and third, respectively. “It might have been Caroline or Salma who won this tonight,” Bonmatí conceded with characteristic dignity.

Real Madrid's Boycott and Vinícius Jr's Response

Adding drama to the night, Real Madrid skipped the Paris ceremony entirely in protest. Reportedly, the Madrid squad pulled out at the very last minute after receiving "leaked results" showing Rodri topping Vinícius Jr. Despite placing second, Vinícius (who played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's Champions League triumph) left a cryptic post on social media: “I'll do it 10 times if I have to. They aren't up for it.” Many fans took this as a hint at his desire to continue winning, although he did not extend congratulations to Rodri for his victory.

More Awards and Rising Stars

To finish the award show, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal from Barcelona won the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player. Yamal's performances for Barcelona and Spain, such as his record-breaking goal in the El Clásico, have established him as one of football's most promising young stars.

Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé shared the Gerd Müller Trophy for leading scorer, Emiliano Martnez took home the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, and Jennifer Hermoso won the Socrates Award for humanitarian services. Chelsea's Emma Hayes and Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti were the winners of the Johan Cruyff Trophy Women's and Men's Coach of the Year, respectively. Catalunya Femen was crowned Women's Club of the Year and Real Madrid Men's Club of the Year, but not in a controversial way.

Below is a Complete List of 2024 Ballon d'Or Award Winners :

Men's Ballon d'Or: Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)

Women's Ballon d'Or: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain)

Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Scorer): Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England) and Kylian Mbappé (PSG/Real Madrid, France)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa, Argentina)

Kopa Trophy (Best Under-21): Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

Socrates Award: Jennifer Hermoso (Tigres Femenil, Spain)

Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy (Coach of the Year): Emma Hayes (Chelsea)

Men's Johan Cruyff Trophy (Coach of the Year): Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)

Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona Femení

Men's Club of the Year: Real Madrid

The 2024 Ballon d'Or show was filled with amazing wins, firsts, and, yes, even controversy, an evening that football fans will never forget.