The prestigious Ballon d’Or awards for 2024 have been presented, recognizing the achievements of the world’s best male and female footballers.
Rodri, the Spanish midfielder for Manchester City, has been named the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first Spanish man to claim the coveted award since 1960. In his acceptance speech, Rodri emphasized humility and perseverance, urging young players to focus on hard work and strive for excellence. He expressed gratitude for the rewards that come with dedication and commitment.
In a historic moment, Emiliano Martínez, the Argentine goalkeeper for Aston Villa, won the Yachine Trophy for Best Goalkeeper for the second consecutive year, making him the first player ever to achieve this feat.
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish midfielder for Barcelona, has secured her second consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or title, cementing her position as one of the most dominant forces in women’s football.
The awards ceremony also saw other notable achievements:
• Harry Kane finished 10th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
• Toni Kroos finished 9th and Lamine Yamal finished 8th.
• Vinicius was ranked 2nd in the Ballon d’Or, followed by Jude Bellingham in 3rd and Carvajal in 4th.
• Haaland was ranked 5th, Kylian Mbappé 6th, and Lautaro Martínez 7th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Beyond the individual awards, Carlo Ancelotti was honored as the Men’s Coach of the Year, while Emma Hayes received the Women’s Coach of the Year award.
The Ballon d’Or awards continue to be a pinnacle of recognition in football, celebrating the exceptional talent and dedication of players and coaches from around the globe. This year’s ceremony showcased the brilliance and diversity of the sport, highlighting the achievements of both established stars and rising talents.