Established by France Football in 1956, the Ballon d’Or has become the most prestigious individual award in world football. It is awarded to the best player of the year based on his performances, achievements and contribution to the sport. The 2024 ceremony, held in Paris on October 28, promised to be a grand celebration showcasing the pinnacle of football talent.
Venue and Atmosphere
The ceremony took place at the legendary Théâtre du Châtelet, a place steeped in history and elegance. When guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric as the most prominent figures in the world of football walked the red carpet. Players, coaches and football legends mingled, sharing stories and memories, while journalists competed for interviews and exclusive insights. The glamour of the event was palpable, with glittering dresses, tailored suits and the constant glare of cameras capturing every moment.
The nominees and expectations
The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees reflected a year filled with outstanding performances. Among the favourites was Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who had an outstanding season. However, in a surprising turn of events, the award went to Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri. It was a significant moment as it is rare for a defensive midfielder to receive such an honour, with the voting usually dominated by forwards. Notably, it was the first time a Manchester City player had won the Ballon d’Or, and the first win for a Spanish player since 1960.
Fans and pundits debated the merits of each nominee, discussing their contribution not only to club football but also to international competitions. The performances of these athletes in the UEFA Champions League and with their national teams added another layer to the conversation, making the decision even more compelling.
Ceremony Highlights and Award Presentation
Each nominee was honoured with a video highlighting their season, allowing the audience to relive the magic they brought to the pitch. As the time for the winner to be announced approached, the tension in the room became palpable. Each nominee was introduced, their achievements detailed, building anticipation for the final announcement.
Finally, the moment arrived: the 2024 Ballon d’Or was presented to Rodri. The announcement was met with applause and cheers, recognising his exceptional talent and contribution over the past year. The Spanish midfielder arrived on crutches due to a knee injury, but with the help of the legendary Didier Drogba, he made it to the stage. The win was especially meaningful for his position, highlighting a rare achievement for a defender.
Rodri’s speech of gratitude
In his speech, Rodri expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches and family, acknowledging that football is a team sport where collective efforts lead to individual honors. He remembered his path, the difficulties he had to face, and the joy of playing his favorite game.
He also noted that this is a victory for all of Spain, and mentioned his legendary compatriots – Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas. According to the player (and many experts), they once deserved the “Golden Ball”, but due to various (not always sporting) circumstances, they never received this award.
Rodri’s achievements
Rodri is a product of Rayo Majadahonda. His first adult team is Villarreal. From there, he moved to Atletico Madrid in 2018. But a season later, Manchester City paid a buyout clause of 70 million euros, and the player went to Foggy Albion. As part of the “citizens”, not counting other victories, he became a four-time champion of England and won the Champions League. And last summer, as part of the Spanish national team, he became the champion of Europe, and was recognized as the best player of the tournament.
Real – boycotted the ceremony.
It should be noted that Real Madrid was notable for its scandal this year. The club was sure that the main prize would go to their player – Vinicius. For the celebration, a charter to Paris was booked and a restaurant was ordered. However, having learned that the award would be received by Rodri, the Real management decided to boycott the event, stating that they would not go where they were “not respected”.
Although in other nominations, the victory was awarded to Real – as the best club of the year, and Carlo Ancelotti, as the coach of the year. The title of the best scorer of the “Gerd Müller Trophy” was shared by two “goal machines” – Harry Kane (Bayern) and Kylian Mbappe (Real), the forwards scored 52 goals per season.
Let’s add that the best young player (under 21) was Lamin Yamal from Barcelona, and the prize of the best goalkeeper of the “Yashin Trophy” went to the goalkeeper of Aston Villa – Emiliano Martinez.
Aftermath and Legacy
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be remembered not only for its pageantry and excitement, but also for the stories of resilience, triumph and the indomitable spirit of football. Rodri’s victory has sparked discussions about his legacy and the future of the game. As he continues to inspire young players around the world, the impact of such recognition goes far beyond the trophy itself.
The ceremony also served as a reminder of the immense talent present in the football world today. With rising stars such as Jude Bellingham, who finished third in the voting, and established legends, the competition for future Ballon d’Or awards promises to be fierce and exciting. As fans eagerly await next season, the legacy of this year’s nominees and winner will continue to inspire and shape the future of football for years to come.