The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris became a landmark evening for some of the biggest names and emerging stars in football. Hosted at the Theatre du Chatelet, the event was filled with memorable moments as the French magazine France Football, in collaboration with UEFA, awarded the prestigious honors that celebrate the world’s top football talent. With fans, players, and coaches gathered from all over the globe, the ceremony recognized not only outstanding performances but also the athletes who left a lasting impact over the past season.
Rodri’s Historic Ballon d’Or Win
This year, Manchester City’s and Spain’s midfielder Rodri secured the Ballon d’Or in the men’s category, a momentous achievement that reflects his vital contributions both at the club and international levels. Rodri played a decisive role in Manchester City’s title-clinching Premier League campaign, marking the fourth consecutive title for the team as they successfully held off a strong Arsenal side. Beyond the Premier League, Rodri’s standout performances extended to the international stage, where he represented Spain at Euro 2024. Spain’s tournament victory was powered by his exceptional midfield control and leadership, which earned him the Player of the Tournament award—a clear testament to his influence on the pitch.
The 28-year-old midfielder’s journey to the Ballon d’Or win was a highlight in a year dominated by Spanish and European achievements, as he rose above heavyweights such as Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal. These players, who also excelled in their respective roles, each brought their unique strengths to Real Madrid’s successes, yet Rodri’s balanced playstyle and versatility tipped the scales in his favor. This Ballon d’Or win marks Rodri’s first, positioning him among the elite ranks in European football and possibly signaling the beginning of a new era of dominant Spanish midfielders in global awards circuits.
RODRI IS THE 2024 MEN’S BALLON D’OR! #ballondor @ManCity @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/heWvSQsOxn
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
Aitana Bonmatí Retains Ballon d’Or Féminin Title
On the women’s side, Barcelona’s star midfielder Aitana Bonmatí retained her title as the world’s best female player, following a phenomenal season where she led her team to win the Spanish League, Spanish Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. Bonmatí’s influence on Barcelona’s game has made her one of the most respected and celebrated female athletes, demonstrating an ability to control the game’s tempo, create scoring opportunities, and inspire her team to victory. With this win, she becomes only the second player to secure the Ballon d’Or Féminin twice since its introduction in 2018, a feat first achieved by her teammate Alexia Putellas.
During the ceremony, Bonmatí was presented with the award by actress Natalie Portman, known for her support of women’s sports and her role as an advocate for gender equality in athletics. In her acceptance speech, Bonmatí expressed gratitude to her teammates and her club for continuously supporting her development. She acknowledged the significance of the win not just for herself but for women’s football as a whole, as more young women are inspired to pursue careers in sports. She beat out her Barcelona teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, which highlights the dominance of the club in women’s football this season.
Rising Star Lamine Yamal Wins Kopa Trophy
The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player in world football, went to 17-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal. Yamal rose to prominence with a stellar performance in Euro 2024, particularly memorable for a stunning equalizer against France in the semifinals, a match that underscored his maturity and poise on a highly competitive stage. At the club level, Yamal finished the 2023/24 season with an impressive 16 goals and four assists, cementing his status as one of the most promising talents in football today. This award places Yamal alongside notable Kopa Trophy recipients such as Kylian Mbappé, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri, Gavi, and Jude Bellingham.
Ruud Gullit, the 1987 Ballon d’Or winner, presented the Kopa Trophy to Yamal, further adding to the honor of the occasion. Yamal’s achievement signals a promising future, not only for him but also for Spanish football, as he is expected to be a key figure in the national team’s future tournaments.
Real Madrid Boycotts Ceremony but Takes Major Honors
While Real Madrid made headlines for their decision to boycott the ceremony in response to Vinicius Jr. and Dani Carvajal allegedly being denied the Ballon d’Or, the club still took home significant awards. Real Madrid was named Men’s Club of the Year for its impressive performances across La Liga and UEFA Champions League campaigns. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who masterminded their success, was awarded the Men’s Coach of the Year, a title that recognized his effective leadership in securing another league and European double for the club. Despite their absence, Real Madrid’s achievements were acknowledged and celebrated, marking another successful chapter for the Spanish giants.
Emma Hayes and the Women’s Coaching Achievement
Chelsea’s Emma Hayes was awarded the Women’s Coach of the Year for her outstanding work with Chelsea’s Women’s Super League team. Under Hayes’ management, Chelsea continued to dominate domestic competitions, further solidifying their status as one of the strongest teams in women’s football. Hayes’ award highlights her tactical brilliance and the culture of excellence she has instilled at Chelsea, contributing to the growth and visibility of women’s football in England and beyond.
Top Goalscorer Award: The Gerd Muller Trophy
In a shared honor, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane were jointly awarded the Gerd Muller Trophy, given to the season’s top goalscorer across all club and international competitions. Both Mbappé and Kane scored an astonishing 52 goals each during the 2023/24 season, leading their respective teams to success and delighting fans worldwide with their scoring prowess. This award adds to Mbappé’s growing collection as he transitions to his new role at Real Madrid, while Kane continues to set records at Bayern Munich after his transfer from Tottenham.
Full List of Ballon d’Or 2024 Award Winners
The following is a summary of the top winners for the 2024 Ballon d’Or:
- Ballon d’Or (Men): Rodri (Manchester City)
- Ballon d’Or Féminin: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
- Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes (Chelsea)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Real Madrid
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
- Gerd Muller Trophy (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) and Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony celebrated both individual brilliance and collective achievements, reflecting a year filled with triumphs, emerging talents, and milestones that have left an indelible mark on world football.
The Information is Collected from ESPN and Yahoo.
