
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or. The announcement was made at the grand Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on October 28, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the football world.
Rodri's exceptional performance throughout the 2023/24 season played a pivotal role in securing this accolade. The 28-year-old Spaniard was instrumental in Manchester City's record-breaking fifth consecutive Premier League title and Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 campaign. His contributions on the field have not gone unnoticed, earning him the title of UEFA EURO 2024 Player of the Tournament.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as Rodri becomes the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d'Or and the first Premier League player to receive the honor since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. Additionally, he is the first Spaniard to claim the award since Luis Suarez in 1960.
Reflecting on his achievement, Rodri expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "Winning the Ballon d'Or is a dream come true. It's an honor to be recognized among such talented players and to represent both my club and country on this stage."
The Ballon d'Or ceremony also celebrated other notable achievements in football. Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí was named the Women's Ballon d'Or winner for the second consecutive year, while Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti received the Men's Coach of the Year award. The Kopa Trophy went to Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martínez earned the Yashin Trophy.
The 68th edition of the Ballon d'Or awards, co-organized by UEFA and Groupe Amaury, owner of France Football and L'Équipe, continues to highlight the outstanding talents and accomplishments within the sport.
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