Football

Ballon d' Or 2024 Awards: Rodri Takes Best Footballer Award Amid Vinicius Junior Snub - In Pics

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has won the men's Ballon d'Or, awarded to the best footballer of the year, for the first time. The 28-year-old lost only one game last season while representing both club and country. He received the prize in Paris after helping Spain win Euro 2024 in July. Rodri also contributed to Manchester City's successful season, where they won the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. He is the first player in the club's history to win the Ballon d'Or. Rodri claimed the award ahead of Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham finished third. Real Madrid was recognized as the club of the year, while their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, received the men's coach of the year award. However, no representatives from the club attended to accept the prizes.

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68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris_Rodri
Ballon d' Or Awards: Rodri receives the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or award | Photo: AP/Michel Euler

Manchester City's Spanish player Rodri receives the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or award during the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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68th Ballon dOr (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris_ Aitana Bonmati
Ballon d' Or Awards: Aitana Bonmati, receives the 2024 Women's Ballon d'Or award | Photo: AP/Michel Euler
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Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati, receives the 2024 Women's Ballon d'Or award during the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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68th Ballon dOr (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris_Best Womens Club Award
Ballon d' Or Awards: Barcelona FC awarded with Best Women's Club Award | Photo: AP/Michel Euler
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Barcelona's President Joan Laporta, left, and Spanish players Alexia Putellas, center, and Caroline Graham Hansen, receive the Best Women's Club of the Year trophy during the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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68th Ballon dOr (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris_Lamine Yamal
Ballon d' Or Awards: Lamine Yamal receives the Kopa Trophy | Photo: AP/Michel Euler
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Barcelona's Spanish player Lamine Yamal receives the Kopa Trophy during the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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68th Ballon dOr (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris_Emiliano Martinez
Ballon d' Or Awards: Emiliano Martinez receives the Yashin Trophy | Photo: AP/Michel Euler
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Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez receives the Yashin Trophy during the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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68th Ballon dOr (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris_Harry Kane
Ballon d' Or Awards: Harry Kane receives Gerd Mueller trophy | Photo: AP/Michel Euler
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England's player Harry Kane, left, is flanked by former German player Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as he receives the Gerd Mueller trophy during the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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68th Ballon dOr (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris_tribute to late Franz Beckenbauer
Ballon d' Or Awards: Franz Beckenbauer's widow Heidi, Franz Beckenbauer's son Joel Beckenbauer | Photo: AP/Michel Euler
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From left, Franz Beckenbauer's widow Heidi, Franz Beckenbauer's son Joel Beckenbauer and former German player Karl Heinz Rummenigge hold hands during a tribute to late German player Franz Beckenbauer during the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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68th Ballon dOr (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris photo gallery
Ballon d' Or Awards: Golden Ball is shown during award ceremony | Photo: AP/Michel Euler
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The Golden Ball is shown during the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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68th Ballon dOr (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris_Aitana Bonmati and Rodri
Ballon d' Or Awards: Aitana Bonmati and Rodri kiss their 2024 Ballon d'Or trophies | Photo: AP/Michel Euler
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Barcelona's Spanish player Aitana Bonmati, left, and Manchester City's Spanish player Rodri kiss their 2024 Ballon d'Or trophies during the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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68th Ballon dOr (Golden Ball) award ceremony in Paris_itinha, Warren Zaire Emery and Joao Neves
Ballon d' Or Awards: PSG's players Vitinha, Warren Zaire Emery and Joao Neves arrive for the award ceremony | Photo: AP/Michel Euler
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From left, PSG's players Vitinha, Warren Zaire Emery and Joao Neves arrive for the 68th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.