Olayiwola Matthew
Rodri Hernandez, the Manchester City midfielder, has been named the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or winner.
The Spanish deep-lying playmaker beat Real Madrid’s trio of Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal to claim his first-ever Ballon d’Or at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris, France, on Monday.
Rodri was a vital cog in Manchester City’s steamrolling of teams en route to the fourth consecutive league title and FA Cup triumph. He also holds the astonishing record of featuring 74 straight games without a loss. He was instrumental in Spain’s victory at the 2024 European Championships. The 28-year-old was also named player of the tournament.
The 28-year-old became the first player in the English Premier League (EPL) to win the prize since Cristiano Ronaldo clinched the award in 2008.
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman ranked 14th in the men’s Ballon d’Or list.
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati, Barcelona’s midfielder, won the Ballon d’Or Femeni. The victory was her second consecutive Golden Ball prize.
Lamine Yamal claimed the Kopa Trophy, the award for best-performing player under the age of 21.
The 17-year-old beat off competition from Arda Guler and Pau Curbasi to claim the award.
Emiliano Martinez won the best goalkeeper award while finishing 18th in this year’s Ballon d’Or.