Spain’s Rodri wins 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or

The Manchester City star Rodri became the first Premier League player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. 

Rodri earned the award by playing an integral role for club and country in the 2023/24 season, helping City win a record fourth successive English Premier League title before being named UEFA EURO 2024 Player of the Tournament for his impressive performances as Spain triumphed in Germany. Rodri, 28, has lost only one club game in 18 months.

Rodri is the first defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or since Lothar Matthaus in 1990 and the third Spaniard to claim the prize after Alfredo Di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez (1960).

All the award winners

Men’s Ballon d’Or: Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)
Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
Yashin Trophy: Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA)
Men’s Club of the Year: Real Madrid
Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
Gerd Müller Trophy: Harry Kane (England, Bayern München) & Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)
Socrates Award: Jenni Hermoso (Spain, Tigres UANL)

The 68th edition of the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards ceremony took place on Monday 28 October at the Théâtre du Châtelet, in Paris. Presented annually since 1956 by France Football, the Ballon d’Or is the most distinguished accolade a footballer can receive in recognition of their outstanding achievements and exceptional talent.