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Manchester City superstar Rodri won the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or for the first time at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday, October 28. Real Madrid superstars Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham stood second and third in the rankings, respectively.
In the months leading up to the ceremony, it was widely reported that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. would be lifting his first Ballon d'Or this year. However, contrary reports suggesting Rodri won ahead of him began circulating online hours before the ceremony. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Real Madrid's entourage would not even be travelling to Paris for the event.
Former Golden Ball winner George Weah handed Rodri his first Ballon d'Or on Monday night (October 26). Speaking on stage after the win, Rodri said:
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"Many of my friends have written to me to say, 'Football has won today!'"
The four-time Premier League winner had an exceptional 2023-24 season, recording 27 G/A (12 goals, 15 assists) in 63 appearances for club and country. He won the Premier League and the UEFA Super Cup with Manchester City alongside the 2024 Euros with Spain.
This win marks the first time a Premier League player lifted the Ballon d'Or in 16 years. Cristiano Ronaldo was the last such player to win the award while at Manchester United in 2008. Rodri is also the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d'Or.
Rodri's Ballon d'Or-winning season in details
Rodri was one of Manchester City's best players last season, leading them to win two trophies: the Premier League and UEFA Super Cup. The defensive midfielder recorded nine goals and 14 assists in 50 outings for the English giants. In 63 appearances for club and country, he only lost one game: the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
The Spaniard recorded eight goals and nine assists in 34 appearances in the Premier League as Man City lifted the title for the fourth consecutive time. Rodri notably scored City's third goal in their 3-1 victory over West Ham United on the final matchday of the Premier League, which sealed the title for them ahead of Arsenal.
The Spaniard also reached the FA Cup finals with Manchester City but lost 2-1 to Manchester United. He further recorded one goal and three assists in eight appearances in the Champions League. After a 4-4 aggregate draw, Guardiola's side bowed out of the tournament after a 4-3 loss on penalties to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Apart from his triumph at the club level, the Spanish midfielder was also key to Spain's victory in the 2024 Euros. The midfielder scored one goal in the tournament but was the focal point of Spain's midfield. He orchestrated the game from the midfield and was one of the best ball distributors in the tournament. The Man City midfielder was named Player of the Tournament in the 2024 Euros.
All data as per Transfermarkt and the official website of UEFA European qualifiers.
