Rodri wins the Ballon d'Or: City player named best footballer in the world

(Patria) - The 68th Ballon d'Or ceremony for the best footballer in the world was held tonight in Paris.

Alongside the award for the best footballer, prizes were also awarded for the best female footballer, the best young player (Kopa Trophy), and the best club.

The first award presented was the Kopa Trophy, which is given to the best U21 player of the season.

Nominees for the award were Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Savinho (Manchester City), and Arda Guler (Real Madrid).

The award was collected by the 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, making him the third Barcelona player to win this award in the last six years, following Pedri (2021) and Gavi (2022).

Last 5 #ballondor winners...

2019 - Leo Messi
2020 - N/A
2021 - Leo Messi
2022 - Karim Benzema
2023 - Leo Messi
2024 - Rodri pic.twitter.com/w8NDroKzjO

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 28, 2024

Barcelona was named the best women's club of the year, and an awkward situation occurred when Real Madrid was declared the best men's club of the year, as they boycotted the ceremony due to their displeasure that their player did not win the main award.

The Gerd Muller Trophy, awarded to the top scorer of the year, was shared by Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, each with 52 goals.

Only the Englishman was present to receive the prestigious award, while Mbappe did not appear due to Real Madrid's boycott.

The Lev Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper of the season was won by the controversial Aston Villa and Argentina national team goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, making him the first goalkeeper to win the prestigious award two years in a row.

The Ballon d'Or, the award for the best player of the 2023/24 season, was won by Manchester City and Spain national team midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez.

The 28-year-old was an integral part of an unprecedented fourth consecutive English Premier League title and the European Championship with Spain.

Additionally, Rodri scored ten goals and provided 14 assists from the defensive midfield position, and his year was marked by an incredible unbeaten run of 74 matches.

Real Madrid's star duo Vinicius Junior finished second, and Jude Bellingham finished third in the prestigious award, reports Gol.hr.