Rodri Wins Ballon d’Or 2024

Overview

Spanish footballer Rodri, aged 28, clinched the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2024, defeating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. This victory marked Rodri’s first time receiving the award.

Rodri’s Achievements

Rodri earned this accolade after securing his fourth Premier League title with Manchester City and being named the best player in the Euro 2024 tournament.

Top 10 Finalists

• Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
• Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)
• Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
• Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)
• Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
• Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
• Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter Milan)
• Lamine Yamal (Spain, FC Barcelona)
• Toni Kroos (Norway, Real Madrid)
• Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)

Rodri’s Background

Born in Madrid in 1996, Rodri rose through the ranks at Atletico Madrid’s youth academy before playing for other clubs like FC Villarreal. He returned to Atletico briefly before joining Manchester City for around €70 million. With City, he won four Premier League titles and clinched the Champions League in 2022/2023.

Real Madrid’s Reaction

Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony when Vinicius Junior didn’t win. This decision attracted criticism, with Vinicius Junior’s teammate Eduardo Camavinga expressing support for him.

Other Winners

Aside from Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, other awards included the Ballon d’Or for Women (Aitana Bonmatí), and the Gerd-Müller Trophy for the best club goal scorer handed to Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé.

In conclusion, Rodri’s success in the past season makes him a deserving winner of the Ballon d’Or 2024. The repercussions of Real Madrid’s actions remain debatable in terms of sportsmanship.