Ballon d'Or 2024: Rodri's Remarkable Journey to Football's Greatest Honor

The Ballon d'Or 2024 witnessed a breakthrough moment as Manchester City's Rodri claimed the coveted prize, celebrated at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on October 28, 2024. His win is emblematic of a shift in modern football, rewarding his instrumental role as a defensive midfielder—a position often overlooked in Ballon d'Or considerations. Rodri’s leadership and reliability on the pitch were key to Manchester City’s Premier League victory and Spain’s success in the Euro 2024 championship, cementing him as a top performer in global football. The award, decided by a panel of international journalists, highlighted his unparalleled influence on club and international stages.

The Ballon d'Or 2024 rankings reflect the incredible season of Rodri, who won the top prize for his exceptional performances with Manchester City and Spain. Here is the final top ten from the men's rankings:

  1. Rodri (Manchester City/Spain) - Key in Manchester City's Premier League victory and Spain's Euro 2024 success.
  2. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid/Brazil) - A driving force in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League achievements.
  3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England) - An emerging talent with exceptional play in his debut La Liga season.
  4. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/Spain) - Noted for his solid defensive role in Real Madrid’s successes.
  5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway) - Prolific scorer and critical to City’s domestic and international campaigns.
  6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid/France) - An influential player for both club and country with key contributions in attack.
    1. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan/Argentina) - Showed outstanding form in Serie A and internationally.
  7. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain) - Rising star recognized with the Kopa Trophy for best young player.
  8. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/Germany) - A consistent presence in midfield for Real Madrid.
  9. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England) - Leading scorer for Bayern in the Bundesliga.

These rankings showcase the dominance of players from European giants like Manchester City and Real Madrid, reflecting a strong season for Spanish and English clubs on both domestic and international stages.

1. Rodri’s 2024 Season: Defining Moments and Key Achievements

At 28, Rodri emerged as a critical player under Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola. His technical prowess, tactical intelligence, and versatility allowed him to dominate both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Scoring the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final had already brought him into the limelight, but his contributions in 2024 went beyond scoring. His defensive positioning, strategic playmaking, and ability to neutralize opponent attacks made him irreplaceable for City and Spain.

In the Euro 2024 tournament, Rodri anchored Spain’s midfield, exhibiting a blend of defensive solidity and offensive orchestration. His maturity and consistency throughout the tournament were critical to Spain’s run to the trophy, culminating in Spain’s memorable victory. These achievements contributed to his strong standing among the nominees, enabling him to secure his place as the Ballon d'Or winner over other favorites, such as Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.



2. Rodri’s Competition and Ballon d'Or Rankings

The competition for the Ballon d'Or 2024 was fierce, with other nominees including Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, who finished second, and English midfielder Jude Bellingham, who came in third. Both players had stellar seasons, with Vinícius leading Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League victories. Bellingham’s remarkable play in La Liga, after his move from Borussia Dortmund, made him a young standout in midfield.

The top ten ranking was a blend of Europe’s best, with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in fifth place and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé at sixth. Notably, the traditional superstars, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, were absent from the nominee list, marking a shift in global football's focus to emerging stars and younger talents.


3. Ballon d'Or Awards Night Highlights

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony wasn’t only a celebration for Rodri; it also highlighted significant milestones for other players and teams. Aitana Bonmati of Spain won the Women’s Ballon d'Or, recognizing her role in Barcelona’s victories and Spain’s Women’s World Cup win. The Kopa Trophy for the best young male player went to Lamine Yamal from Barcelona, showcasing the rise of youth talent in global football. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, who also played an instrumental role in Argentina’s Copa America run, received the Yashin Trophy as the best goalkeeper.


4. The Legacy of Rodri’s Win: Impact on Manchester City and Spanish Football

Rodri’s win marks a historic achievement for Manchester City, as he became the first player from the club to win the Ballon d'Or, a testament to Guardiola's emphasis on player development and tactical innovation. This accolade further underscores Manchester City’s growth as a dominant force in European football. Additionally, Rodri’s award shines a spotlight on Spanish football's enduring legacy, as he became the first Spanish player since Luis Suárez in 1960 to win the Ballon d'Or. This honor is also significant for defensive midfielders, a position often underrepresented in individual accolades despite its strategic importance.


5. Rodri’s Future and Prospects for Ballon d'Or 2025

Following this landmark achievement, the football community is already speculating on the future contenders for the Ballon d'Or 2025. Players such as Bellingham, Haaland, and Mbappé remain strong candidates, each bringing unique skills and playing styles. Rodri’s success paves the way for other midfielders to contend seriously for future Ballon d'Or titles, broadening the scope of individual recognition to include players whose contributions might not always translate directly into goals but are essential to their team’s success.


The 2024 Ballon d'Or results symbolize the evolution of football’s recognition criteria, moving away from a scoring-centric approach to valuing the holistic contributions of midfield generals like Rodri. His win not only celebrates his exceptional talent but also broadens the legacy of the Ballon d'Or, honoring players in strategic positions that fuel their teams’ successes. With this win, Rodri has set a new standard for defensive midfielders worldwide, inspiring a new generation and highlighting the significance of midfield control and intelligence in modern football.


Rodri’s Ballon d'Or win is a victory for Manchester City, Spain, and every midfielder who aspires to be more than just a link in the chain—a reminder that every position on the field has the potential to achieve greatness on the global stage.