Spanish footballer Rodri won the Ballon d’Or of France Football magazine for the 2023/2024 season. He helped the national team to win the European Championship and his club Manchester City to defend the title of English champion.
You could watch the Golden Ball Gala 2024 ONLINE at ŠPORT.sk >>
news-item-description">The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football. It was acquired by Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri last season. How did ŠPORT.sk vote?
At the European Championship in Germany, he earned the MVP award for the tournament’s most valuable player. Already the 68th year of the handover ceremony took place in the Paris theater Theater du Chatelet, it was boycotted by representatives of Real Madrid.
news-item-description">Perhaps all the media labeled Vinícius Júnior as the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, but the Brazilian footballer is said to not win this prestigious award. According to information from Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid therefore decided to boycott the entire Monday gala evening in Paris.
For the first time since 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were absent from the nomination. The Argentine has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, most recently last year, and is the record holder for the number of trophies. His competitor from Portugal has five at home. Rodri is only the second soccer player born in Spain to win the prestigious poll.
Until now, the only one was Luis Suarez, who was honored in 1960. The legendary Alfredo di Stefano, at that time a representative of Spain, won twice, but before that, as a native Argentine, he also played for the “Albicelestes” and even for Colombia.
This year’s laureate took to the podium on crutches, as he recently underwent surgery for damaged ligaments in his right knee. His club Manchester City reported in September that the footballer will miss the team until the end of the season.
“Just being here with such players is a reward for me. And the fact that some people think I’m the best in the world is incredible.” said Rodri after the announcement of the results.
Gala evening Golden Ball 2024 – winner Rodri, source: TASR/AP
Results of the Zlatá Lopta poll 2023/20241. Rodri (Sp./Manchester City),
2. Vinicius Junior (Brazil/Real Madrid),
3. Jude Bellingham (Angl./Real Madrid),
4. Dani Carvajal (Spain/Real Madrid),
5. Erling Haaland (Norway/Manchester City),
6. Kylian Mbappé (Fr./Real Madrid),
7. Lautaro Martinez (Arg./Inter Milan),
8. Lamine Yamal (Sp./FC Barcelona),
9. Tony Kroos (Germany/Real Madrid),
10. Harry Kane (Eng./Bayern Munich)
At the gala dinner, for the third time in the poll’s history, awards were not given for the calendar year, but for the season. In addition to the main category, the magazine France Football also announces a poll for the best player under the age of 21 (Raymond Kopa award) and the best goalkeeper (Lev Jašin award). It also awards the Ballon d’Or for the best female soccer player.
He won the under-21 player of the year trophy Lamine Yamal. The seventeen-year-old FC Barcelona talent followed his teammates Gavi, who triumphed last year, and Pedri, who won the award the year before. “I am very happy to be in the company of such big names. It is an honor for me,” said the Spanish midfielder.
He won the prize for the best goalkeeper, just like the Argentine last year Emiliano Martinez and is the first goalkeeper in the history of the poll with two consecutive triumphs.
For the second year in a row, a Spanish woman was declared the best soccer player Aitanu Bonmatiová from FC Barcelona and her club is also the best women’s team of the season.
They also awarded the Gerd Müller trophy, which from 2022 is given to the best scorer of the season in a combination of goals for club and country. The first two years were dominated by Robert Lewandowski, this time the award was won by a pair of forwards Harry Kane a Kylian Mbappé.
Rodri succeeded in the competition of several favorites, the nomination included Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Mbappé and Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian striker in the colors of Real Madrid was considered the biggest favorite, but the management of the Spanish big club received information on Monday afternoon that their player will not be announced as the winner. Therefore, they decided not to travel to the French capital. They didn’t even receive the award for the best men’s team of the season, and the best coach, Carlo Ancelotti, was also missing from the podium.
Another award for the best female soccer player: Aitana Bonmatiová
best coaches: Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes
cena Raymonda Kopu: Lamine Yamal
cena Gerda Müllera: Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe
cena Lev Jašin: Emiliano Martinez
best men’s team of the season: Real Madrid
best women’s team of the season: FC Barcelona
Socrates prize (for commitment to society and promoting a fairer and more inclusive world): Jennifer Hermosová
Rodrigo Hernandez CascanteDate of birth: June 22, 1996 (28 years old)
Place of birth: Madrid, Spain
Height: 190 cm
Position: defensive midfielder
Current club: Manchester City
Number: 16
Previous clubs: FC Villarreal B (2015-2016), FC Villareal (2015-2018), Atletico Madrid (2018-2019), Manchester City (since 2019)
National team starts: 56
Goals in the national team: 4
Achievements: Champions League Winner 2023, Premier League Winner 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24, UEFA Super Cup Winner 2018, 2023, Nations League Winner 2021, European Champion 2024
Players by number of trophies8 – Lionel Messi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)
5 – Cristiano Ronaldo (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
3 – Marco van Basten (1988, 1989, 1992), Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), Johan Cruyff (1971, 1973, 1974)
2 – Ronaldo (1997, 2002), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (1980, 1981), Kevin Keegan (1978, 1979), Franz Beckenbauer (1972, 1976), Alfredo Di Stefano (1957, 1959)
Overview of Ballon d’Or winners from 1956-1956 Sir Stanley Matthews (Eng./FC Blackpool)
1957 Alfredo Di Stefano (Sp./Real Madrid)
1958 Raymond Kopa (Fr./Real Madrid)
1959 Alfredo Di Stefano (Sp./Real Madrid)
1960 Luis Suarez (Spain/FC Barcelona)
1961 Omar Sivori (Tal./Juventus Turín)
1962 Josef Masopust (CSSR/Dukla Prague)
1963 Lev Yashin (USSR/Dynamo Moscow)
1964 Denis Law (Scotland/Manchester Utd.)
1965 Eusebio (Eng./Benfica Lisabon)
1966 Bobby Charlton (Angl./Manchester United)
1967 Florián Albert (Hungary/Ferencváros Budapest)
1968 George Best (Northern Ireland/Manchester United)
1969 Gianni Rivera (Italy/AC Milan)
1970 Gerd Müller (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1971 Johan Cruyff (Hol./Ajax Amsterdam)
1972 Franz Beckenbauer (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1973 Johan Cruyff (Netherlands/FC Barcelona)
1974 Johan Cruyff (Netherlands/FC Barcelona)
1975 Oleg Blochin (USSR/Dynamo Kiev)
1976 Franz Beckenbauer (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1977 Allan Simonsen (Dán./Borussia Mönchengladbach)
1978 Kevin Keegan(Angl./Hamburger SV)
1979 Kevin Keegan(Angl./Hamburger SV)
1980 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1981 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1982 Paolo Rossi (Tal./Juventus Turín)
1983 Michel Platini (Fr./Juventus Turin)
1984 Michel Platini (Fr./Juventus Turin)
1985 Michel Platini (Fr./Juventus Turin)
1986 Igor Belanov (USSR/Dynamo Kyiv)
1987 Ruud Gullit (Netherlands/AC Milan)
1988 Marco van Basten (Netherlands/AC Milan)
1989 Marco van Basten (Netherlands/AC Milan)
1990 Lothar Matthäus (Germany/Inter Milan)
1991 Jean-Pierre Papin (Fr./Olympique Marseille)
1992 Marco van Basten (Netherlands/AC Milan)
1993 Roberto Baggio (Tal./Juventus Turín)
1994 Christo Stojčkov (Bulgaria/FC Barcelona)
1995 George Weah (Liberia/AC Milan)
1996 Matthias Sammer (Nem./Borussia Dortmund)
1997 Ronaldo (Brazil/Inter Milan)
1998 Zinedine Zidane (Fr./Juventus Turin)
1999 Rivaldo (Brazil/FC Barcelona)
2000 Luis Figo (Port./Real Madrid)
2001 Michael Owen (Angl./FC Liverpool)
2002 Ronaldo (Brazil/Inter Milan-Real Madrid)
2003 Pavel Nedvěd (Czech Republic/Juventus Turin)
2004 Andrij Shevchenko (Ukr./AC Milan)
2005 Ronaldinho (Brazil/FC Barcelona)
2006 Fabio Cannavaro (Tal./Real Madrid)
2007 Kaká (Brazil/AC Milan)
2009 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Manchester United)
2010 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
2011 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
2012 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
2013 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Real Madrid)
2014 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Real Madrid)
2015 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
2016 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Real Madrid)
2017 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Real Madrid)
2018 Luka Modrič (Croatia/Real Madrid)
2019 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
In 2020, the prize was not awarded due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 Lionel Messi (Arg./Paris St. Germain)
2022 Karim Benzema (Fr./Real Madrid)
2023 Lionel Messi (Arg./Inter Miami)
2024 Rodri (Sp./Manchester City)
Rodri Wins the Ballon d’Or: What a Season!
Well, well, well! The Ballet of the Ballon d’Or has declared a new champion for the 2023/2024 season, and it’s none other than Rodri – the Spanish maestro who strutted his stuff both at the European Championship and for Manchester City. It’s almost poetic, isn’t it? Rodri wielded his midfield magic to help his national team snatch the European Championship trophy and Manchester City to defend their English title. If that isn’t the stuff of legends, I don’t know what is!
Now, let’s dive into the glitzy world of the Ballon d’Or. This prestigious award, often referred to as the Golden Ball, is basically the Oscars of the football universe. And if you missed the live gala, worry not! You could watch it online at ŠPORT.sk – though I can’t promise it’ll come with an actual red carpet!
In case you were living under a rock or binge-watching a series about people who live under rocks, Rodri triumphed over an impressive roster of players, including the much-hyped Vinicius Júnior – who, let’s be honest, was probably practicing his acceptance speech while Rodri was busy lifting the trophy. In a twist that would make a soap opera writer jealous, Real Madrid decided to boycott the gala entirely! That’s right, folks! They tuned out faster than I would when my bank statement arrives.
The Ceremony and Crutches
The event took place at the illustrious Theater du Chatelet in Paris – the kind of place where they serve caviar on toast and the toilets probably have chandeliers! Highlights included Rodri shambling onto the stage on crutches, a little reminder that even the mighty can face challenges. After surgery on his knee ligaments, he said, “Just being here with such players is a reward for me. And the fact that some people think I’m the best in the world is incredible.” Cue the violins! It’s a heartwarming tale set against the backdrop of football greatness.
The List of Honourees
In the rankings, Rodri outperformed some of the biggest names in football:
- 1. Rodri (Spain / Manchester City)
- 2. Vinicius Junior (Brazil / Real Madrid)
- 3. Jude Bellingham (England / Real Madrid)
- 4. Dani Carvajal (Spain / Real Madrid)
- 5. Erling Haaland (Norway / Manchester City)
- 6. Kylian Mbappé (France / Real Madrid)
- 7. Lautaro Martinez (Argentina / Inter Milan)
- 8. Lamine Yamal (Spain / FC Barcelona)
- 9. Toni Kroos (Germany / Real Madrid)
- 10. Harry Kane (England / Bayern Munich)
Legends in Attendance
This year also marked a first in many ways. For the first time since 2003, we had a Ballon d’Or ceremony devoid of the twinkling names Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Where do they go from here? Perhaps they’ll start a podcast titled “Two Legends in Exile”! Meanwhile, Rodri makes history as only the second Spaniard to pick up this shiny accolade since Luis Suarez in 1960. Can we get a round of applause for that? *Applause echoes in my mind!*
Other Awards and Surprises
Amidst the fanfare, the awards didn’t stop at the main event. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy, won the Raymond Kopa award for the best player under 21. It’s almost unfair to the rest of us, isn’t it? Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez bagged the Lev Yashin award for the best goalkeeper for the second consecutive year – he’s basically becoming the James Bond of goalkeeping!
And don’t forget the smooth, silk-fingered Aitana Bonmati, who walked away with the Best Female Player award, proving once again that women’s football is on the rise and deserving of all the accolades. If football were a family reunion, we would have serious reasons to brag about our table!
A Season to Remember
Rodri’s victory symbolises hard work, perseverance, and a sprinkling of good fortune – if you’re not lucky, you might end up being the most talented player in the world… who goes home without a trophy. And as he navigates through recovery, let’s raise a toast (or perhaps an imaginary crutch) to both his past achievements and future possibilities. May he strut back onto the pitch as gracefully as he did at the gala. Cheers to the midfield dynamo, Rodri!
You could watch the Golden Ball Gala 2024 ONLINE at ŠPORT.sk >>
news-item-description">The Ballon d’Or is regarded as the pinnacle of individual accolades in the world of football, and this prestigious honor has been claimed by Manchester City’s outstanding Spanish midfielder Rodri for the 2023/2024 season. His performance was instrumental not only in securing victory for the national team at the European Championship but also in helping Manchester City successfully defend their title as English champions.
At the European Championship held in Germany, Rodri distinguished himself by earning the MVP award, signifying his status as the tournament’s most valuable player. This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony marked the 68th edition of the event and was hosted at the renowned Theater du Chatelet in Paris, although it was notably boycotted by officials from Real Madrid.
Media predictions had heavily favored Brazilian sensation Vinícius Júnior to take home the Ballon d’Or; however, he fell short of expectations, not clinching the coveted award. There were reports from Fabrizio Romano indicating that Real Madrid, in light of this disappointment, opted to boycott the gala held in Paris.
For the first time since 2003, legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were conspicuously absent from the list of nominees. The Argentine superstar holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards, with eight victories to his name, while his Portuguese counterpart has five. Rodri’s achievement was particularly noteworthy as he became only the second Spanish player to earn this illustrious title, with the first being Luis Suarez, who won it back in 1960. Although Alfredo di Stefano achieved success twice, his origins trace back to Argentina, having also represented the national teams of Colombia and Argentina before his allegiance to Spain.
This year’s remarkable winner took to the stage on crutches due to a recent knee surgery to repair damaged ligaments. Manchester City announced in September that Rodri would be sidelined for the remainder of the season as he recovers from his injury.
“Just being here with such players is a reward for me. And the fact that some people think I’m the best in the world is incredible,” Rodri expressed after the announcement, highlighting the significance of the moment as he celebrated his monumental achievement.
Gala evening Golden Ball 2024 – winner Rodri, source: TASR/AP
Results of the Zlatá Lopta poll 2023/20241. Rodri (Sp./Manchester City),
2. Vinicius Junior (Brazil/Real Madrid),
3. Jude Bellingham (Angl./Real Madrid),
4. Dani Carvajal (Spain/Real Madrid),
5. Erling Haaland (Norway/Manchester City),
6. Kylian Mbappé (Fr./Real Madrid),
7. Lautaro Martinez (Arg./Inter Milan),
8. Lamine Yamal (Sp./FC Barcelona),
9. Tony Kroos (Germany/Real Madrid),
10. Harry Kane (Eng./Bayern Munich)
In a notable change, the awards were presented for the season rather than the calendar year. Alongside the prestigious Ballon d’Or, France Football announced awards for the best player under 21, known as the Raymond Kopa award, and the best goalkeeper, named after Lev Yashin. The ceremony also included recognition for the best female football player.
The under-21 player of the year award went to Lamine Yamal, a talented 17-year-old from FC Barcelona. He celebrated his accomplishment in the company of fellow rising stars like Gavi and Pedri, who had previously won the award in consecutive years. “I am very happy to be in the company of such big names. It is an honor for me,” Yamal remarked.
Meanwhile, the award for the best goalkeeper was won by Emiliano Martinez, who made history as the first keeper to win this accolade in consecutive years.
For the second consecutive year, Aitana Bonmatiová from FC Barcelona was recognized as the premier female football player, while her club was also honored as the best women’s team of the season.
The prestigious Gerd Müller award, which honors the leading scorer of the season, saw a duo of forwards, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, take home the glorious accolade this year.
Rodri emerged victorious over several formidable opponents, including Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Mbappé, and Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian, previously regarded as the main contender, was left out of the final highlight after Real Madrid received confirmation that he would not be announced as the winner, leading the club to forgo attendance at the gala.
Another award for the best female soccer player: Aitana Bonmatiová
best coaches: Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes
cena Raymonda Kopu: Lamine Yamal
cena Gerda Müllera: Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe
cena Lev Jašin: Emiliano Martinez
best men’s team of the season: Real Madrid
best women’s team of the season: FC Barcelona
Socrates prize (for commitment to society and promoting a fairer and more inclusive world): Jennifer Hermosová
Rodrigo Hernandez CascanteDate of birth: June 22, 1996 (28 years old)
Place of birth: Madrid, Spain
Height: 190 cm
Position: defensive midfielder
Current club: Manchester City
Number: 16
Previous clubs: FC Villarreal B (2015-2016), FC Villareal (2015-2018), Atletico Madrid (2018-2019), Manchester City (since 2019)
National team starts: 56
Goals in the national team: 4
Achievements: Champions League Winner 2023, Premier League Winner 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24, UEFA Super Cup Winner 2018, 2023, Nations League Winner 2021, European Champion 2024
Players by number of trophies8 – Lionel Messi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)
5 – Cristiano Ronaldo (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
3 – Marco van Basten (1988, 1989, 1992), Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), Johan Cruyff (1971, 1973, 1974)
2 – Ronaldo (1997, 2002), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (1980, 1981), Kevin Keegan (1978, 1979), Franz Beckenbauer (1972, 1976), Alfredo Di Stefano (1957, 1959)
Overview of Ballon d’Or winners from 1956-2024 Sir Stanley Matthews (Eng./FC Blackpool)
1957 Alfredo Di Stefano (Sp./Real Madrid)
1958 Raymond Kopa (Fr./Real Madrid)
1959 Alfredo Di Stefano (Sp./Real Madrid)
1960 Luis Suarez (Spain/FC Barcelona)
1961 Omar Sivori (Tal./Juventus Turín)
1962 Josef Masopust (CSSR/Dukla Prague)
1963 Lev Yashin (USSR/Dynamo Moscow)
1964 Denis Law (Scotland/Manchester Utd.)
1965 Eusebio (Eng./Benfica Lisabon)
1966 Bobby Charlton (Angl./Manchester United)
1967 Florián Albert (Hungary/Ferencváros Budapest)
1968 George Best (Northern Ireland/Manchester United)
1969 Gianni Rivera (Italy/AC Milan)
1970 Gerd Müller (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1971 Johan Cruyff (Hol./Ajax Amsterdam)
1972 Franz Beckenbauer (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1973 Johan Cruyff (Netherlands/FC Barcelona)
1974 Johan Cruyff (Netherlands/FC Barcelona)
1975 Oleg Blochin (USSR/Dynamo Kiev)
1976 Franz Beckenbauer (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1977 Allan Simonsen (Dán./Borussia Mönchengladbach)
1978 Kevin Keegan(Angl./Hamburger SV)
1979 Kevin Keegan(Angl./Hamburger SV)
1980 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1981 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Germany/Bayern Munich)
1982 Paolo Rossi (Tal./Juventus Turín)
1983 Michel Platini (Fr./Juventus Turin)
1984 Michel Platini (Fr./Juventus Turin)
1985 Michel Platini (Fr./Juventus Turin)
1986 Igor Belanov (USSR/Dynamo Kyiv)
1987 Ruud Gullit (Netherlands/AC Milan)
1988 Marco van Basten (Netherlands/AC Milan)
1989 Marco van Basten (Netherlands/AC Milan)
1990 Lothar Matthäus (Germany/Inter Milan)
1991 Jean-Pierre Papin (Fr./Olympique Marseille)
1992 Marco van Basten (Netherlands/AC Milan)
1993 Roberto Baggio (Tal./Juventus Turín)
1994 Christo Stojčkov (Bulgaria/FC Barcelona)
1995 George Weah (Liberia/AC Milan)
1996 Matthias Sammer (Nem./Borussia Dortmund)
1997 Ronaldo (Brazil/Inter Milan)
1998 Zinedine Zidane (Fr./Juventus Turin)
1999 Rivaldo (Brazil/FC Barcelona)
2000 Luis Figo (Port./Real Madrid)
2001 Michael Owen (Angl./FC Liverpool)
2002 Ronaldo (Brazil/Inter Milan-Real Madrid)
2003 Pavel Nedvěd (Czech Republic/Juventus Turin)
2004 Andrij Shevchenko (Ukr./AC Milan)
2005 Ronaldinho (Brazil/FC Barcelona)
2006 Fabio Cannavaro (Tal./Real Madrid)
2007 Kaká (Brazil/AC Milan)
2009 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Manchester United)
2010 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
2011 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
2012 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
2013 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Real Madrid)
2014 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Real Madrid)
2015 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
2016 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Real Madrid)
2017 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portug./Real Madrid)
2018 Luka Modrič (Croatia/Real Madrid)
2019 Lionel Messi (Arg./Barcelona)
In 2020, the prize was not awarded due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 Lionel Messi (Arg./Paris St. Germain)
2022 Karim Benzema (Fr./Real Madrid)
2023 Lionel Messi (Arg./Inter Miami)
2024 Rodri (Sp./Manchester City)
### Rodri Wins the Ballon d’Or: What a Season!
The 2023/2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony has crowned a new champion: **Rodri**, the Spanish midfielder dazzling both at the European Championship and with Manchester City. His contributions helped Spain secure the European Championship title and allowed City to defend their Premier League crown. Truly, Rodri’s season illustrates the essence of legend-making!
#### The Ceremony and Crutches
The gala unfolded at the glamorous **Theater du Chatelet** in Paris, where Rodri made a memorable entrance on crutches, underscoring the challenges he has faced after undergoing knee surgery. Despite this, he humbly stated, “Just being here with such players is a reward for me. And the fact that some people think I’m the best in the world is incredible.” This proves even heroes have to battle through setbacks!
#### The List of Honourees
In a competitive field, Rodri emerged victorious, surpassing notables like:
1. Rodri (Spain / Manchester City)
2. Vinicius Junior (Brazil / Real Madrid)
3. Jude Bellingham (England / Real Madrid)
4. Dani Carvajal (Spain / Real Madrid)
5. Erling Haaland (Norway / Manchester City)
6. Kylian Mbappé (France / Real Madrid)
7. Lautaro Martinez (Argentina / Inter Milan)
8. Lamine Yamal (Spain / FC Barcelona)
9. Toni Kroos (Germany / Real Madrid)
10. Harry Kane (England / Bayern Munich)
#### Legends in Attendance
For the first time since 2003, the ceremony lacked the illustrious names of **Cristiano Ronaldo** and **Lionel Messi**. Rodri’s victory was particularly historic, as he is only the second Spaniard to claim this honor since **Luis Suarez** in 1960. Give it up for Rodri!
#### Other Awards and Surprises
The evening also celebrated other incredible talents:
– **Lamine Yamal**, a bright 17-year-old, secured the *Raymond Kopa award* for best under-21 player.
– **Emiliano Martinez** won the *Lev Yashin award* as the best goalkeeper for a consecutive year, solidifying his impressive status.
– The elegant **Aitana Bonmati** claimed the title of Best Female Player, showcasing the rise of women’s football.
#### A Season to Remember
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or symbolizes not just talent but hard work and perseverance. As he recuperates and looks towards the future, we toast to his achievements and the hope of seeing him back on the pitch soon—hopefully with fewer crutches!
### Summary
Rodri’s triumph at the 2023/2024 Ballon d’Or marks a notable moment in football history, reminding us that every season brings the potential for new legends to emerge. As the football community celebrates his accomplishments, there’s a sense of excitement regarding the future endeavors of both Rodri and the sport at large. Cheers to a great season and many more to come!
E-night” target=”_blank”>Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were absent from the awards ceremony, marking a significant shift in the football landscape. Rodri’s triumph is especially historic as he became only the second Spaniard to win the esteemed Ballon d’Or, following Luis Suarez’s victory in 1960. Despite the absence of these legendary figures, the event resonated with anticipation and excitement.
#### Other Awards and Highlights
The evening wasn’t solely focused on the Ballon d’Or. Other notable awards included Lamine Yamal taking home the **Raymond Kopa award**, recognizing him as the best player under 21, while Emiliano Martinez defended his title by being awarded the **Lev Yashin award** as the best goalkeeper for the second consecutive year.
Meanwhile, **Aitana Bonmati** made waves by clinching the **Best Female Player** award, highlighting the progress and recognition of women’s football at this prestigious event. The entire batch of winners illustrates the depth of talent within football today.
#### A Toast to a Memorable Season
Rodri’s award signifies not only individual excellence but also the collective achievements of his teams. As he recovers from his recent surgery, fans and football enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate his return to the pitch, hoping to see him in action with the same verve and dynamism that earned him this accolade.
the 2023/2024 Ballon d’Or marks a new chapter in football with rising stars stepping into the limelight while legends take a backseat. It’s a clarion call for the new generation, and a reminder that the game is still evolving in pivotal ways—a narrative that will continue to captivate supporters around the globe.
