There we have it. After a surprisingly controversial day, Rodri has been named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
The Manchester City midfielder claimed the prize for the first time and became the first Premier League player to triumph in the Ballon d’Or since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. Following an exceptional 2023/24 campaign in which he won the Premier League and Euro 2024, the 28-year-old beat Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior to the award.
However, the evening wasn’t without some drama. Reports had emerged earlier on Monday that claimed Madrid’s Vinicius and the club’s other representatives wouldn’t attend the ceremony after suspecting that Rodri would be crowned champion. Said reports turned out to be true.
Unsurprisingly, the news ruffled a few feathers online.
🚨 BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid know he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or.
No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham. pic.twitter.com/qN9PaYjmR0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2024
Rodri winning the Ballon D’or over Vini J…..ridiculous
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) October 28, 2024
Vinicius not winning the ballon dor is one of the biggest robberies in the history of football. pic.twitter.com/Jcc3T4PrwN
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) October 28, 2024
Rodri wasn’t even the best Spanish player last season pic.twitter.com/OcfnD6yDwg
— Trey (@UTDTrey) October 28, 2024
Some are shouting: “The Ballon d’Or belongs to Vinicius!”
Others are saying: “Rodri should take it home!”
Meanwhile, Messi at home today when they announce he’s won it again: pic.twitter.com/Jn1uLjYo3w
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) October 28, 2024
Madrid’s intel was accurate as Rodri became the first midfielder to win the award since Luka Modric in 2018. As much as their was significant outrage from certain corners, there were plenty who felt Rodri was a worthy winner.
The Man City ace enjoyed a truly remarkable 2023/24 campaign and few can argue against the Spaniard being the world’s best midfielder.
🚨✨ OFFICIAL: RODRI WINS THE BALLON D’OR 2024! 🇪🇸
Vinicius Jr, second in the rankings. pic.twitter.com/rCwa7zjpY6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2024
Rodri was FAR more consistent than Vinicius over the entire season. He had FAR less bad games, and he had FAR more great games. His floor was much higher.
Played exceptional to very well in every single tournament for both…
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