Players from Spain, midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí, snagged the Ballon d’Or titles for men’s and women’s categories on Monday, crowning them as the globe’s top soccer talents. Real Madrid, however, gave the glamorous Paris event a cold shoulder, seemingly in protest.
At 28, Rodri claimed this illustrious accolade for the debut time, bolstered by his contributions to Manchester City’s Premier League conquest and Spain’s victorious run in the European Championship.
In doing so, he dethroned Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has dominated the scene with eight wins, and nudged Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior out of the spotlight, which irked the Spanish club no end. Manifesting their displeasure, Madrid’s squad skipped the event and let their feelings burst onto social media.
Rodri couldn’t mask his tears when George Weah, a past winner, announced his name, his hands clasping his face.
“What a night to remember,” exclaimed Rodri, who tragically remains sidelined for the season after messing up his ACL last month, managing only to reach the gala by hobbling on crutches. “I’ve always strived to up my game each time out there.”
Despite being a bit of a workhorse and never blowing his own trumpet, Rodri was quick to hand out credit to his teammates.
“I want to express my gratitude to those who see my worth on the pitch,” he proclaimed. “As a lad, clinching the Ballon d’Or wasn’t even on my radar, but lately, I’ve been playing at the top tier.”
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Bonmatí held onto her crown, having powered Barcelona to victories in the Spanish league, the Spanish Cup, and the Champions League. She joined forces with teammate Alexia Putellas in snagging two wins since the inception of the women’s trophy in 2018. She topped her fellow Barca squadmates Caroline Graham Hansen from Norway and Spain’s Salma Paralluelo, leading to a 1-2-3 sweep.
“Being here once more is sheer joy,” Bonmatí mentioned, who accepted the award from Oscar laureate Natalie Portman. “Credit goes to my teammates and clubs that mold me into a finer footballer every year.”
Oddly enough, despite star midfielder Jude Bellingham claiming third and Dani Carvajal fourth, and having Coach Carlo Ancelotti named coach of the year, the Madrid entourage was noticeably absent from the Parisian gala.
Ancelotti went online to share his thoughts, and so did Vinícius, who many thought was in pole position for the title, despite Rodri’s stellar season.
“I’ll keep at it tenfold if that’s what it takes,” penned Vinícius in Portuguese. “They’re not ready for what’s coming.”
Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga didn’t hold back, labeling the results as “football politics.”
“Bro, you’re the best worldwide, and no trophy changes that,” Camavinga wrote on social media, along with a picture of him and Vinícius relishing a moment. “Love ya, bro.”
Old-timer Karim Benzema, who nabbed the Ballon d’Or in 2022, posted a heartfelt message, stating “Trop Fort” (“Too Strong”) in French on Instagram.
Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo — the tandem who’ve claimed this coveted honor an astounding 13 times combined — made a bid for this accolade this year, a first since 2003.
Although Rodri lacks the dazzle and goal count of legends like Messi and Ronaldo, his match influence is undeniable, deftly shielding the defense and making precise passes from the rear.
“I aim to lead and learn daily from the elite,” Rodri explained.
Rodri’s presence often made City a juggernaut, his technical finesse fitting snugly into Spain’s fast-paced tactics at Euro 2024. He stands as the first City player to bag the honor.
“A player without an ego, delivering stellar performances over ages,” City’s football director Txiki Begiristain praised. “Consistent through hard graft and focus.”
Bonmatí netted 19 goals for a second consecutive season with Barca, and tallied five goals in just five games for Spain, bringing her global total to 26.
The Ballon d’Or was brought into being by France Football magazine, bestowed upon men since 1956, and women since 2018. Journalists from FIFA’s top 100 nations pen their top ten picks, positioning them in a hierarchy that earns points based on rank, with the title awarded to whomever racks up the most points. Unlike FIFA’s accolades, fan votes hold no sway.
Sparkling night for Spain and Barca players, young virtuoso Lamine Yamal — the youngest-ever European Championship scorer — snagged the Kopa accolade for top Under-21 talent, while Barca clinched the best women’s team award.
Though absent, Real Madrid was named the best men’s team.
Former PSG star Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane split the Gerd Mueller honor for most club and national goals last season, both netting 52. Mbappé jetted to Madrid before the new season.
Save specialist Emiliano Martínez from Argentina held onto the Lev Yashin trophy for elite goalkeeper status.
Coach Ancelotti and gold medal-winning coach Emma Hayes clinched the Johan Cruyff prizes for top men’s and women’s coaches.
Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso, who championed the fight against sexism in the sport after being kissed at last year’s Women’s World Cup final by former federation head Luis Rubiales, accepted the Socrates award for her humanitarian acts.
A special honor was awarded by France Football to the wife and son of the late, legendary German player Franz Beckenbauer.
Report By: AP Sports Writers Tales Azzoni and Steve Douglas
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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