Ballon d’Or 2024 Awards: Rodri and Bonmati Shine, Yamal’s Breakthrough as Real Madrid Secures Club Honors Despite Boycott

The Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony in Paris was a grand showcase of the year’s top football talents. Manchester City and Spain’s midfield marvel, Rodri, clinched the Ballon d’Or, surpassing Real Madrid’s star-studded lineup, including Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal.

Despite their absence from the gala, Real Madrid still seized the Men’s Club of the Year award. In the women’s division, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati maintained her hold on the Ballon d’Or Feminin title, reinforcing her dominance on the international stage. Lamine Yamal’s Kopa Trophy win for Best Young Player capped a night of individual and team accolades. Here’s a comprehensive look at the full list of Ballon d’Or 2024 winners and key highlights from the awards ceremony.

Rodri’s Triumph: A Well-Deserved Ballon d’Or Win

The Ballon d’Or was awarded to 28-year-old Rodri, whose extraordinary contributions powered Manchester City to their fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain’s historic victory at the Euro 2024. Known for his impeccable control and defensive acumen, Rodri also claimed the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament award.

His influence on the field and leadership solidified his place at the top, allowing him to surpass Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr. and Dani Carvajal who were vying for the coveted award.

Bonmati Defends Her Title as No. 1 Women’s Player

In the women’s category, Barcelona and Spain’s Aitana Bonmati made history as she retained her Ballon d’Or Feminin, becoming one of the few players to achieve back-to-back titles. Bonmati’s stellar season included leading Barcelona to triumphs in the Spanish League, Spanish Cup, and Champions League, securing her position as one of the game’s greatest talents.

She received the award from Hollywood star Natalie Portman, thanking her teammates and her club for their unwavering support. Barcelona’s dominance was further highlighted as her fellow players Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo joined her in the top three, marking an unprecedented 1-2-3 finish.

Rising Star Yamal Secures Kopa Trophy

Spain’s young sensation Lamine Yamal was awarded the Kopa Trophy, following a standout season with 16 goals at the club level and crucial contributions during Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign. The 17-year-old scored a remarkable equalizer against France in the semifinals, solidifying his reputation as a young star with immense potential.

Yamal’s trophy adds him to an elite list of past winners, including Kylian Mbappe, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri, Gavi, and Bellingham. Ruud Gullit, a Ballon d’Or legend himself, presented the award to the Barcelona prodigy.

Real Madrid’s Absence as They Protest Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or Snub

Real Madrid chose not to send any delegates or players, including Mbappe, Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham, to the ceremony in Paris, as they protested what they saw as an unfair exclusion of Vinicius Jr. from the Ballon d’Or podium. The club’s absence underscored their stance, feeling that Vinicius was deserving of the award.

Nonetheless, despite this high-profile boycott, Real Madrid was honored with the Men’s Club of the Year title, recognizing their outstanding performance across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti also claimed the Men’s Coach of the Year award, a testament to his successful season guiding Madrid to a double-title triumph.

Emma Hayes Wins Women’s Coach of the Year

Chelsea’s Emma Hayes took home the Women’s Coach of the Year award after an outstanding season, leading her team to both domestic and international success. Her tactical approach and ability to inspire her players have positioned her as one of the top managers in women’s football today.

Mbappe and Kane Tie for Gerd Muller Trophy

Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane shared the Gerd Muller Trophy, each scoring an impressive 52 goals across all competitions. This accolade, awarded to the top scorers in club and international football, highlighted both players’ scoring prowess, with Mbappe showcasing his talent as Real Madrid’s latest addition.

Full List of Ballon d’Or 2024 Award Winners

Here’s the complete rundown of the awardees from the Ballon d’Or 2024:

• Ballon d’Or: Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
• Ballon d’Or Feminin: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
• Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
• Men’s Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
• Women’s Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes (Chelsea)
• Yashin Trophy: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina)
• Men’s Club of the Year: Real Madrid
• Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
• Gerd Muller Trophy: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France) and Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony was a testament to football’s vibrant diversity and high-caliber talent, celebrating seasoned stars like Rodri and Bonmati while spotlighting emerging talents like Yamal. Real Madrid’s refusal to attend brought attention to the awards’ selection dynamics, but their notable wins reaffirmed their position as a football powerhouse. As the year’s best players and teams were recognized, the evening underscored the brilliance and commitment that define global football.

Read More: Was Vinicius Jr. Robbed of the Ballon d’Or 2024? Real Madrid’s Disappointment and Outcry