At a glittering ceremony in Paris, Manchester City midfield powerhouse Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, making history as the first Premier League player to win the prestigious award since 2008. The Spanish midfielder is known for his calmness, vision and insight. His defensive tenacity helped him beat Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and teammate Jude Bellingham to take the top spot in a fiercely contested competition, and his impressive performances for Real Madrid further boosted the competition. .
For Rodri, this feat capped a remarkable year in which his influence was felt not only on the national stage, but throughout Europe. Last season, he suffered just one defeat for both club and country, in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United, underscoring his consistency and value. His contributions helped Manchester City win the league title once again in the Premier League, and his performances on the international stage helped Spain win Euro 2024.
Real Madrid’s absence amid controversy
However, the night was marred by Real Madrid’s severe absence. Whites players and staff did not attend the ceremony, but it underlined the Whites’ frustration at learning that Vinicius Junior, who had an excellent season in La Liga and the Champions League, was denied the top spot. became the subject of notable scorn. Madrid did indeed win Club of the Year and Carlo Ancelotti was hailed as the best men’s manager, but the club’s dissatisfaction was clear as Vinicius finished second behind Rodri.
Despite the nerves, Real Madrid’s players left a big mark on the Ballon d’Or rankings. In addition to Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal also finished higher in the table, reflecting the club’s enduring success. It was a particularly important night for Bellingham. He became the first English player to reach the top three since Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in 2005. His impressive performances since joining Real Madrid have sparked talk of a resurgent era for English players in football. European stage.
Premier League Ballon d’Or ranking revived
Rodri’s victory represents a landmark moment for the Premier League. The Premier League has long been regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in the world, but in recent years there have been fewer Ballon d’Or winners compared to La Liga’s biggest names. Rodri’s teammate at Manchester City, Erling Haaland, was also named on the list, as was Phil Foden, underscoring the league’s growing influence in shaping the future of world football. .
Further down the rankings, Arsenal’s young stars have risen to prominence. Captain Martin Odegaard was 19th, followed by Bukayo Saka in 21st and new signing Declan Rice in 26th, underscoring the club’s commitment to developing talent. The Arsenal representative shows that the club is steadily regaining its reputation both domestically and in Europe.
Rising stars and global influence
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ranking not only celebrated established stars, but also celebrated the rise of new talent. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez have all secured their place in the top ranks and point to exciting futures in European football. Additionally, young players such as Cole Palmer, who made a huge impact in his debut season at Chelsea, were able to earn their place on the 30-man shortlist, proving the depth of emerging talent in England.
