2024-10-29 00:01:00
Never has a play at the Théâtre du Châtelet offered so many twists and turns even before the three shots. The Ballon d’Or ceremony and the hours that preceded it, Monday October 28, offered a suspense that rarely accompanies this great rally in world football. At the end of several hours of uncertainty, it was Rodri, the 28-year-old Spanish midfielder from Manchester City, who painfully advanced to the stage, crutches in hand, to collect the greatest individual reward there is for a player. “I never dreamed of winning such a trophy”he said a few minutes later.
Rodri is the new face of world football, the first successor to the era dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two giants were absent from the list of thirty nominees for the first time since 2003, after having won thirteen of the last fifteen editions. Rodri alone on stage, a curious paradox for a collective player par excellence. But after all, these players are also entitled to honors and those of the day are entirely deserved for the Spaniard, very emotional at the moment of seizing his first Ballon d’Or.
The surprise was therefore twofold at the Châtelet theater: the winner of the 2024 edition presented a less offensive profile than the usual winners and was ahead of Vinicius (2ᵉ) following the votes of the hundred jurors. The Brazilian winger had been designated as the big favorite for several months, notably thanks to his victory in the Champions League with Real Madrid. In recent years, rumors about the identity of the winner were verified on D-Day and the Parisian ceremony took no one by surprise.
The unexpected turn of events, before the ceremony at the Châtelet theater, transformed this day into a tragicomedy. On the one hand, Real Madrid, upset by Vinicius’ second place, canceled his visit to Paris, even though Jude Bellingham completed the podium (3rd), ahead of his teammate Dani Carvajal (4th). On the other hand, Manchester City, a bit teasingly, published at the same time on his account a video of all the goals scored by Rodri in the Premier League last season. As if to give a clue to the outcome of the vote.
A discreet player, who stays away from social networks
The English champion club could just as easily have added images of the Spanish midfielder resisting opposing pressure, his finest tackles, his precise crossbars, his balls distributed deep, his science of positioning… All of this is obviously less flashy. the eye, but is the very essence of Rodri’s game. Without his qualities, Spain would undoubtedly not have won the Euro – the midfielder was voted best player in the competition – and Manchester City the Premier League.
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**Short Interview with Sports Analyst on Rodri Winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or is a surprise to many. What do you think this means for the football landscape, particularly with Messi and Ronaldo absent from the nominations for the first time in over two decades?
**Analyst:** Thank you for having me! Rodri’s win marks a significant shift in football, symbolizing a new era. His triumph underscores the growing importance of midfield roles, which traditionally haven’t been as celebrated in individual awards. This recognition for a player like Rodri indicates that voters are looking beyond just goal-scoring metrics and considering overall contributions to the team.
**Interviewer:** The ceremony itself had its dramatic moments, especially with Rodri appearing on crutches. How does this impact the narrative around his achievement?
**Analyst:** It adds an emotional layer to his victory. Winning while facing physical challenges resonates with fans and highlights his perseverance and determination. It tells a story of commitment, making the accolade even more poignant. His quote about never dreaming of such a trophy speaks to that humble journey.
**Interviewer:** Given Vinicius Jr.’s close second place and his success with Real Madrid, do you believe there will be backlash against Rodri’s win from certain fans or pundits?
**Analyst:** It’s possible. Football fans can be very passionate, and some may argue that Vinicius’s contributions in high-stakes matches, especially in the Champions League, should have earned him the award. However, Rodri’s play in the European Championship and his consistent role in Manchester City’s success cannot be minimized. The debate itself is part of what makes football so engaging.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you see Rodri’s win influencing future nominations? Will we see a trend toward recognizing players in less glamorous roles?
**Analyst:** Absolutely. Rodri’s win could pave the way for similar players to be acknowledged in the future. It sets a precedent that contributions to team dynamics and tactical play are just as important as flashy goals. I expect to see more recognition for midfielders and defensive players, as their roles become more appreciated in the context of team success.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights! It will be intriguing to see how Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win shapes the future of football awards.
**Analyst:** Thank you! It’s a fascinating time in football, and I look forward to seeing how these changes unfold.
**Interviewer:** Given Vinicius Jr.’s close second place and the controversy surrounding Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the ceremony, how do you see the reception of Rodri’s win within the football community?
**Analyst:** The reception is likely to be mixed. On one hand, many will celebrate Rodri’s achievements as a refreshing change in an era that has often been dominated by forwards and wingers. His win may be viewed as a validation for players in less glamorous positions. On the other hand, Real Madrid’s frustration—especially given Vinicius’ performance and popularity—could lead to some tension within the sport. However, it’s also a reminder that awards can sometimes spark debate and reflection on what constitutes excellence in football.
**Interviewer:** What do you think Rodri’s victory means for future awards and how players are evaluated?
**Analyst:** Rodri’s win could shift the narrative around individual accolades. As voters recognize the value of midfielders and their impact on the game, we might see a broader definition of what makes a great player, one that emphasizes teamwork, defensive solidity, and overall playmaking ability. This could encourage a more holistic approach to player evaluation in the future, appreciating contributions that go beyond just scoring goals.
**Interviewer:** how do you expect Rodri’s career trajectory to change now that he has won the Ballon d’Or?
**Analyst:** Winning the Ballon d’Or will elevate Rodri’s profile significantly. He may face new expectations as a leading figure in football, both in his club and at the international level. This recognition can also inspire him to continue improving, and we could see him becoming an even more pivotal player for Manchester City and Spain. It will be interesting to monitor how this accolade influences his playing style and media presence moving forward.
