The 2024 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony was a night of glitz, celebration, and iconic Real Madrid whinging, all while highlighting football’s brightest stars across both men’s and women’s games. This year’s awards not only honoured incredible individual performances but also recognized the evolution of the sport, with winners from diverse backgrounds and playing styles.
Manchester City and Spain’s midfield anchor, Rodri, won the Men’s Ballon d’Or, and Spain’s young sensation Aitana Bonmatí clinched the Women’s Ballon d’Or. Each award winner showcased the depth and brilliance of football talent around the world, and guess what – both winners were midfielders and not forwards for a change!
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Rodri
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win was a nod to the essential role of midfielders, whose influence often goes unnoticed but is vital to a team’s success. His instrumental role in Manchester City’s treble-winning season showcased his ability to control the game’s tempo, dominate defensively, and contribute to offensive build-ups. Rodri’s performance in the Champions League final (I know, a year ago, but bear with me) wherein he scored the winning goal epitomized his all-around ability to influence games at crucial moments. Yeah, that’s all old hat, but last season he was still epic and led his Spanish team to the Euros final as well as being the key cog in Pep’s City team. Put it like this: he recorded a passing accuracy of over 90% across competitions, the most interceptions of any top-five league midfielder, and averaged a jaw-dropping 7.1 recoveries per match.
“Winning the Ballon d’Or is a dream come true,” Rodri said. “I’ve always played for the team, but to be recognized individually at this level is something very special. This award is not only mine; it’s a testament to my teammates and the support I have at Manchester City.”
Manchester City and Spain’s midfield general, Rodri, took home the top prize in men’s football. Known for his tactical intelligence and resilience, Rodri’s contribution to Manchester City in general is bananas: last year they only lost when he wasn’t available and he had the most successive games won of any player in the modern era. While Vinicius is a flashy baller, and Jude is Jude, nobody can deny that Rodri has been the best footballer on the planet for 2 years. His ability to dictate tempo in midfield embodies the modern midfielder’s role. Basically, this award is a long time coming.
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmatí
Aitana Bonmatí, one of the most influential midfielders in the women’s game, won the Women’s Ballon d’Or (again, back to back… wonder who else has done that?) after a stellar season with both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Known for her vision, technical skills, and control, Bonmatí’s impact on the field is matched only by her leadership and composure.
“I’m incredibly honored to win the Ballon d’Or,” Bonmatí shared during her acceptance speech. “This award is a symbol of the progress and recognition that women’s football is achieving worldwide. My hope is that young girls everywhere see this as a reminder that they can dream big and that football is for everyone.”
Her words resonated deeply with fans and players alike, highlighting the rapid growth of women’s football and the opportunities it is now starting to create. Bonmatí’s win signals a new era, where women’s football receives the recognition it deserves, with her standing up and showing her impact as a leader on and off the field with a global audience celebrating its stars.
Other Notable Awards
The Ballon d’Or ceremony celebrated achievements across multiple categories, showcasing the depth of talent and hard work within the sport:
- Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Lamine Yamal
The teenage prodigy from Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, clinched the Kopa Trophy, rewarding his incredible rise in European football as one of Spain’s brightest talents. The big one will end up on his mantlepiece someday, it is simply a matter of time. This kid is special and anyone watching the Euros last summer could see the kid’s got the skills to pay the bills. - Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Emiliano Martínez
Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, known for his crucial saves, top notch shithousery, and penalty-stopping abilities, was honoured with the Yashin Trophy after a stellar year with Aston Villa and the Argentine national team. That’s 2 years on the bounce for the unholy goalie, and its becoming harder and harder to look past the Villa stopper as the number 1 keeper on the planet. - Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Scorer): Harry Kane
England’s Harry Kane, following his move to Bayern Munich, received the Gerd Müller Trophy as the top goal scorer. Known for his consistency and finishing prowess, Kane has continued to excel in the Bundesliga. He might not have been able to stop Alonso’s Neverlusen season but at least he has something to show for it. Honourable mention to Mpabbe, but you played in the French league so no trophy for you. - Socrates Award (Social Impact): Jenni Hermoso
Jenni Hermoso received the Socrates Award for her advocacy and influence in promoting gender equality and social justice, particularly within the sports community. - Best Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (Men’s Coach, Real Madrid) and Emma Hayes (Women’s Coach, Chelsea)
Ancelotti and Hayes were recognized for their strategic excellence and leadership, with Hayes in particular celebrated for her ground-breaking work in women’s football, both at Chelsea and abroad.
A Night to Remember
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony was a celebration of football’s diversity and evolution, honoring players from different positions, playing styles, and backgrounds. Rodri’s and Bonmatí’s wins signal a growing appreciation for the impact of midfielders who control and define the game from the center of the pitch. No awards for Jude, Vini, Mbappe or any of the flair players provided a welcome change from just the goal-getter being the centre of attention.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony marked a turning point, recognizing talent across positions, age groups, and genders.
As Aitana Bonmatí put it, “Football is for everyone,”
This night was a testament to the power of football to inspire, unite, and push boundaries, both on the field and beyond.
Add a Comment