In a ceremony that has left fans buzzing with excitement and some controversy, Manchester City midfielder Rodri was awarded the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or. This win came as a surprise to many, given the strong performance and popularity of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who finished as the runner-up. Here’s a breakdown of Rodri's win, the voting criteria, and the online reactions that followed.
The Ceremony and Rodri’s Win
Held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the Ballon d'Or ceremony crowned Rodri as the year's best player in front of a distinguished audience. His season, marked by Manchester City's historic treble win—including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup—helped to solidify his claim to the trophy. Rodri also played a critical role in Spain’s victory at the 2024 Euros, which further bolstered his position as a top contender for this prestigious accolade
Why Was Rodri Chosen Over Vinicius Junior?
The Ballon d'Or is awarded based on a points system, where journalists from top FIFA nations vote for their preferred candidates from a list of 30 nominees. Rodri’s consistent performance for club and country won him significant support. Despite a stellar season with Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior’s achievements fell just short in the eyes of many voters, who favored Rodri’s broader contributions to his team’s international and domestic successes
Fan Reactions and the Online Debate
Not everyone agreed with the outcome. Some fans took to social media, calling Vinicius’ loss a “robbery” and labeling the decision as controversial. Many felt that Vinicius’ influence on Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League campaigns deserved the highest recognition. Reactions on platforms like Twitter and YouTube varied, with some celebrating Rodri’s win as deserved and others questioning the voting criteria used in the Ballon d'Or process【15†source】【16†source】.
Where to Watch the Highlights
For those interested in reliving the moment and analyzing the reactions, here are some key videos:
- **Ballon d'Or Highlights and Analysis**: Clips and discussions from the ceremony, covering the build-up and Rodri's announcement as the winners .
- **ESPN FC’s Ballon d'Or Debate**: A panel of experts discusses the decision and why Rodri edged out Vinicius.
- **Reaction Video to the Anuncement**: A compilation of reactions and fan responses to the award decision .
Final Thoughts
Rodri’s Ballon d'Or victory highlights the subjective nature of awards based on voting systems, sparking debate on whether club success should outweigh individual brilliance. As fans digest the outcome, the reactions underscore the passion surrounding this prestigious honor—and set the stage for next year’s fierce competition.
Whether you’re Team Rodri or rooting for Vinicius Junior, this year’s Ballon d'Or is sure to be remembered as a decision that fueled both celebration and controversy.