At a glittering event in Paris, Manchester City’s star midfielder Rodri claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or, besting Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. for one of football's top individual honors.
Rodri’s exceptional year, highlighted by victories in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and a Euro 2024 title with Spain, cemented his place as the leading candidate. Although Vinicius Jr. had garnered attention as a potential winner, he opted not to attend the ceremony after learning he would not be receiving the award. Vinicius’s Real Madrid teammate, Jude Bellingham, also missed the event.
This achievement makes Rodri the first midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or since Luka Modric in 2018 and the first Premier League player to take the honor since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. However, Rodri is currently sidelined for the season due to an ACL injury, which has left Manchester City contending with defensive challenges in his absence.