Rodri, winner of the Ballon d'Or 2024

Paris, Oct 28 (PL) Spanish soccer player Rodrigo Hernández (Rodri), Manchester City midfielder, received the Ballon d'Or 2024 award, in a ceremony held at the Théâtre du Chatelet in the French capital and organized by France Football magazine.

The 68th edition was held for the first time since 2003 without the names of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among the nominees and without the only two players who have taken the award away from them in recent years: Luka Modric (2018) and Karim Benzema (2022).

More than a hundred journalists representing the top 100 countries in the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) ranking decided for the 28-year-old Iberian, who this season was champion with his team in the English league, the European Championship, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.

In the latter tournament he also won the Ballon d'Or award and in the European Championship he was selected as the Most Valuable Player.

This designation, beyond the merits of the player, came as a surprise because many specialized media and commentators, including those close to Madrid, took for granted as a virtual winner the Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Júnior.

The Brazilian won the La Liga, Spanish and European Super Cups, and the Champions League titles with his team last season, but had a poor performance with his national team in the Copa América.

Hours before the ceremony, it was leaked that the Brazilian was not the winner and Real Madrid's management decided at the last minute not to send the delegation initially planned to represent the “Casa Blanca” in the City of Light.

The organizers of the ceremony described the attitude taken by the club as incomprehensible, an action considered by specialists and guests present as arrogant and contrary to sporting values.

Other trophies awarded at the gala:

Golden Ball (female): Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona).

Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).

Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper in the world: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa).

Gerd Müller Trophy for the player with the most goals in a single season between club and country: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid).

Socrates Award honoring a footballer who has stood out for his/her commitment to society and the promotion of a more equitable and inclusive world: Jenni Hermoso (Spain).

Coach of the Year (men): Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid).

Coach of the Year (women): Emma Hayes (United States).

Men's Club of the Year: Real Madrid.

Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona.