Manchester City star Rodri pips Vinicius Jr to win Ballon d’Or 2024

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The 2023-24 season was the one of the best season in his career for the Manchester City midfielder Rodri and the Spanish international was honoured with the men's 'best player of the year' award at the Ballon d'Or 2024 ceremony on Monday night at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

The 28-year-old bagged his first Ballon d'Or award after registering a stellar 2023-24 season with his club, leading them to their title triumph. The Spanish international also played a pivotal role in Spain’s European Championship victory. Speaking after his win at the Ballon d’Or 2024, Rodri said, “An incredible night for me. It’s a special day for me, my family and my country.”

“I always try to improve everyday, the level of my game, (playing) the modern holding midfielder role, playing further forward. I’m just a normal guy, I enjoy sport, enjoy my profession. I try to be a good person, try to be a leader. I’m a calm person, until I get upset. I’d like to show the kids that you don’t have to be crazy, you can be a normal guy, try to do your best,” he added.

Rodri pips Vinicius Jr; Aitana Bonmatí wins Women’s Ballon d’Or

While Rodri pipped Vinicius Jr, who did not attend the award ceremony as any of his Real Madrid teammates didn’t, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Ballon d’Or after having led the Femeni to a treble winning season and having won the Women’s World Cup with Spain. This was the Barca Femeni midfielder’s second straight win.

Apart from them, Carlo Ancelotti was named the Men’s Coach of the Year whereas Real Madrid won the Men’s Club of the Year. Rodri’s Spanish teammate Lamine Yamal won the Kopa trophy while his fellow Premier League player, Emiliano Martinez earned the Yashin trophy.