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29 Oct

The 2024 Ballon d’Or: A Showcase of Football’s Finest

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held in Paris, was a landmark event that honored the most exceptional talents in world football. This year, Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati took home the prestigious awards for the best male and female players, respectively, while South Africa’s Ronwen Williams etched his name in history by becoming the first African-based player nominated for the Yashin Trophy.

Spain’s Rodri claimed his first Ballon d’Or, outshining fellow nominees Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, both of Real Madrid. The 28-year-old midfielder was essential in Manchester City’s successful season, which included an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. Rodri also earned the best player title at the European Championship, where he helped Spain secure their fourth title, marking a rare achievement as the first defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or since Lothar Matthäus in 1990.

For the women’s award, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati received the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the second consecutive year. Her exceptional season included a historic quadruple with Barcelona, further solidifying her as one of the most influential players in women’s football. Barcelona was also named the best women’s club of the year, recognizing their Spanish and European league successes.

South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made headlines with his groundbreaking nomination for the Yashin Trophy. Known for his stellar performances as captain for both Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, Williams’ nomination highlights his achievements and serves as a milestone for African-based players on the global stage. This acknowledgment reflects Williams’ journey from SuperSport United to becoming a star for Sundowns, demonstrating his commitment and excellence in goalkeeping.

Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez, took home the Yashin Trophy as the world’s top goalkeeper, while the Socrates Award went to Jennifer Hermoso for her advocacy in women’s rights in sports. Emma Hayes of Chelsea won the women’s coach award, recognizing her continued influence in women’s football.

A key subplot at the 2024 Ballon d’Or was Real Madrid’s controversial absence from the ceremony, following the announcement that their star forward, Vinicius Jr., had missed out on the men’s top prize. Despite being a standout player for both Real Madrid and Brazil, helping secure a Champions League-LaLiga double last season, Vinicius was passed over in favor of Manchester City’s Rodri. Vinicius was widely expected by bookmakers and fans to be a frontrunner, and his second-place finish led to Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the event in protest.

Real Madrid’s absence from the Paris gala was highly symbolic, as it came despite the club winning the Men’s Club of the Year award. In addition, manager Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Coach of the Year, a recognition of his leadership and the team’s success. 

In individual accolades, Barcelona’s young talent Lamine Yamal received the Kopa Trophy for best young player, highlighting a bright future for the club, while England’s Harry Kane and France’s Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Muller Trophy for their impressive goal-scoring achievements with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony not only celebrated elite talent but also showcased remarkable contributions to the sport, capturing a year of historic achievements and groundbreaking milestones for players worldwide.

2024 Winners List 

Ballon d’Or: Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)

Ballon d’Or Feminin: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)

Men’s Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)

Women’s Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes (Chelsea, United States)

Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

Lev Yashin Trophy: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina)

Gerd Muller Trophy: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England) and Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Men’s club of the year: Real Madrid

Women’s club of the year: Barcelona Femeni

Socrates Award: Jennifer Hermoso

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