The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony unfolded in Paris tonight, bringing together the world’s elite footballers at the Theatre du Chatelet for an evening of accolades and celebration. Among the leading contenders for the men’s award were Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, alongside Manchester City’s Rodri. This year was particularly notable as it marked the first time in over a decade that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were nominated.

Drama ensued even before the ceremony commenced, with Real Madrid’s delegation abruptly canceling their trip to Paris. This decision followed leaked reports indicating that Rodri had secured the most votes for the prestigious award. As the night progressed, these leaks were confirmed: Rodri and Aitana Bonmati were named the best players in world football at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards.

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati clinched the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the second consecutive year. Her remarkable season saw her winning every possible trophy at the club level, as Barcelona achieved a historic quadruple. In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati secured back-to-back Ballon D’or wins after her impressive tally of 26 goals and 18 assists, where she led Barcelona to the Champions League, three domestic trophies, and won the Nations League with Spain.

On the men’s side, Manchester City’s Rodri triumphed, overcoming strong competition from Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. This victory led to Real Madrid’s notable absence from the ceremony. 

Rodri, 28, became the first Premier League player to win the Ballon d’Or since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. His contributions were pivotal in Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and Spain’s European Championship victory.

Despite suffering an ACL rupture earlier this season, Rodri made a poignant appearance at the ceremony, assisted by Chelsea legend and host Didier Drogba. In an emotional speech, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family and teammates, stating, “It’s a very special day for me, my family, and my country.”

Vinicius Jr. finished second, with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham rounding out the top three, followed by Dani Carvajal and Erling Haaland. This outcome marked the first time in a decade that the Ballon d’Or did not go to a Real Madrid player following a Champions League victory from them.

Elsewhere, 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, also won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player.

Harry Kane received the Gerd Muller Trophy, as Kane scored 52 goals in his debut season in Germany. He shared this honor with Kylian Mbappe, who was absent from the ceremony.

Emiliano Martinez was awarded the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper in the world, recognizing his outstanding performances over the past year.

In a special announcement, Didier Drogba revealed that the Best Men’s Coach of the Year and Best Women’s Coach of the Year awards would henceforth bear the name of Johan Cruyff. The Best Men’s Coach of the Year was awarded to Carlo Ancelotti, while Emma Hayes was named the Best Women’s Coach of the Year.