It's the most eagerly awaited event in the world of soccer every year: the one that rewards the world's best footballers. The Ballon d'Or ceremony, which has been held in France since its inception, took place this Monday, October 28, 2024 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
William Saliba (Arsenal) and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) represented France 's male hopefuls this year, while in the women's category there were only two players, Grace Geyoro and Marie-Antoinette Katoto (PSG ). Last year, after France's Karim Benzema, Lionel Messi won yet another trophy, the last of his career. This time, however, the usual hegemony disappeared, and it was Rodri who won his very first Ballon d'Or, very emotionally.
Recently, the rules for the Ballon d'Or have changed, and individual performance has become the overriding criterion. On Monday evening, the official results were finally unveiled, kept secret for once, but obviously leaked from the Real Madrid side, the club having refused to attend out of spite. And for good reason: everyone thought Vinicius was this year's winner, but it was Rodri who was chosen, English champion with Manchester City and European champion with Spain in 2023. On the women's side, Aitana Bonmati picked up her second trophy!
Here are the top 5 men's final rankings:
Yachine Trophy : Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)
Gerd Müller Trophy : Kylian Mbappé (PSG/Real Madrid) & Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Sócrates Award : Jennifer Hermoso
Men's Club of the Year: Real Madrid
Women's Club of the Year: FC Barcelona
Cruyff Trophy: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
