Spanish midfielder Rodri (28-Manchester City) was the brightest star in world soccer for the 2023-2024 season.
Rodríguez was named the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or (French for golden ball) in the men’s player category at the Théâtre de la Châtelet in Paris, France, on Monday night. The Ballon d’Or, now in its 68th year, is the world’s most prestigious soccer award organized by France Football, the French soccer publication. Rodri, who received the most votes from 100 journalists from around the world among the 30 players shortlisted for the award based on their performances between Aug. 1 last year and July 31 this year, earned his first individual Ballon d’Or honor.
Rodríguez accepted the trophy on crutches after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during an English Premier League (EPL) match against Arsenal last month. It is the first time a Ballon d’Or winner born in the 1990s has won the award, which has long been dominated by “Menaldo,” with Lionel Messi (37-Argentina) winning eight times and Cristiano Ronaldo (39-Portugal) winning five times. From 2007 winner Kaka (42-Brazil) to last year’s Messi, the Ballon d’Or has been won by a 1980s-born player 16 times in a row, with Rodri, born in 1996, taking the honors this time. This is the first time in 21 years since 2003 that Messi and Ronaldo didn’t even make the shortlist of 30 nominees.
Considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world,
Rodríguez made 50 appearances (nine goals) in a Manchester City shirt in the 2023-2024 season, helping the club win the EPL title. In July, he anchored Spain’s midfield at Euro 2024, leading his country to the top of the tournament and earning MVP honors. 카지노사이트 He became the first Ballon d’Or winner to play the defensive midfield position, where he acts as an attacking link and first line of defense in front of the defense. He is the first Spanish player to win the award in 64 years, since Luis Suarez (then of Barcelona) in 1960. “Today’s Ballon d’Or is a victory for Spanish soccer,” Rodríguez said after receiving the award, referring to Spain’s seniors, including Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández, who finished second or third in the Ballon d’Or voting and missed out on the honor. Spanish soccer enjoyed a double victory, with Aitana Bonmati (26-Barcelona) taking home the women’s Ballon d’Or.
Spanish giants Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony, mired in controversy. “It is clear that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid,” Real Madrid said in a statement, canceling their trip to Paris after it became clear that their player, Vinicius Junior (24-Brazil), who was the number one candidate for the award, would not receive it. All Real Madrid players boycotted the ceremony. Vinicius, who finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting for his role in last season’s UEFA Champions League triumph, wrote on social media, “I will play 10 times more if necessary, they are not ready (to give the award).”