Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí Crowned 2024 Ballon d’Or Winners Amid Real Madrid Boycott

At the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí were celebrated as football’s finest, clinching the prestigious men’s and women’s awards. However, their night of triumph took place under the shadow of an unusual absence: Real Madrid, expected to attend in support of top nominee Vinícius Júnior, boycotted the event upon learning that the award would go to Rodri instead.

Rodri’s Stellar Season Caps Historic Win

In a year where Rodri played a crucial role in Manchester City’s historic achievements, the Spaniard’s award came as recognition for his transformative impact in midfield. Rodri’s contributions extended across City’s domestic and European successes, guiding them to a Premier League title, Champions League win, and Club World Cup victory, while also representing Spain internationally.

Even sidelined with a long-term ACL injury, Rodri accepted the award with a mixture of gratitude and pride, leaning on crutches as he took to the stage. “Today is a very special day, not just for me but for my family and my country,” said the 28-year-old, who became the first non-forward to win the Ballon d’Or since Luka Modric in 2018. The award was presented by George Weah, himself a former winner, symbolizing a bridge between football’s past and its present.

Despite Rodri’s accomplishments, Real Madrid’s absence highlighted underlying tensions. Vinícius Júnior, Madrid’s star forward, had been tipped by many as a potential winner. When it became clear he wouldn’t receive the prize, Madrid’s delegation abruptly canceled, citing a lack of “respect” in their decision to skip the ceremony entirely.

ballon dor winners rodri aitana bonmati

Bonmatí Retains Women’s Ballon d’Or, Securing Second Consecutive Win

Aitana Bonmatí’s year was as dominant as it was defining. The Barcelona midfielder proved instrumental in leading her club to another Liga F and Champions League double. Bonmatí further displayed her skill with Spain, guiding her national team to victory in the Women’s Nations League earlier this year. Her consistent performances and leadership set her apart, earning her a second consecutive Ballon d’Or.

“Winning comes from a mentality we all share as a team,” Bonmatí said upon receiving her award, emphasizing the unity and drive that pushed her and her teammates to the top. Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, both of whom also played pivotal roles in Barcelona’s success, rounded out the women’s top three, making it an all-Barça podium and underscoring the club’s dominance in women’s football.

The timing of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, held during a women’s international window, prevented many shortlisted players from attending, including Bonmatí’s coach, Emma Hayes, who accepted her award for Women’s Coach of the Year remotely. Hayes, set to lead the U.S. national team in an upcoming match against Argentina, underscored the unique challenges female players and coaches face in balancing domestic and international commitments with the award circuit.

Real Madrid’s Boycott and a Statement of Discontent

Real Madrid’s decision to skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony was no quiet affair. Hours before the event, the club issued a statement to Spanish media, bluntly expressing their dissatisfaction with the voting criteria. They stated, “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinícius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to [Dani] Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid.”

The reaction underscored the competitive nature of elite football and the frustrations that arise when subjective awards fail to recognize certain players. Real Madrid had anticipated Vinícius’ win and felt his record-breaking season with the club made him a strong candidate. Their boycott meant no one was present to accept their award for Men’s Club of the Year, a symbolic gesture of the club’s disapproval of how the Ballon d’Or was decided.

Vinícius placed second in the men’s award rankings, followed by Jude Bellingham, his Real Madrid teammate. Ancelotti, Madrid’s coach, received the Johan Cruyff award for Best Manager but did not attend to accept it, adding to the night’s tension.

Barcelona’s Dominance Evident on the Women’s Stage

While Real Madrid’s presence was missed, Barcelona made their mark, not only through Bonmatí’s win but with the club’s achievements overall. Barcelona was named Women’s Club of the Year, a fitting acknowledgment of their success, with President Joan Laporta and a selection of players accepting the trophy on stage.

For the women’s side, Barcelona has set the standard across Europe, their Liga F and Champions League successes testament to a club invested in building a powerhouse in women’s football. The all-Barcelona podium also reflects the club’s consistent support and talent pipeline that has become the envy of many clubs worldwide.

The night further celebrated Barcelona with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who won the Kopa Trophy as the best player under 21, and Jenni Hermoso, who took home the Socrates Award for her humanitarian work.

Additional Highlights: From Kane and Mbappé to Emiliano Martínez

In an evening filled with acknowledgments across the global football community, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé shared the Gerd Müller Award as top goalscorers of the season. Yet Mbappé was another notable absence, joining the list of winners unable or unwilling to attend. His absence underscored the sometimes-complicated relationship between players and award institutions, particularly as they balance club obligations with individual accolades.

Emiliano Martínez, Aston Villa’s star goalkeeper, received the Lev Yashin Trophy as the best keeper, while Lamine Yamal, the promising young talent from Barcelona, made history by becoming the youngest Kopa Trophy recipient at just 17 years old.

The celebration of Martínez and Yamal also illustrated football’s diversity of talent, with figures from different leagues and continents all receiving their share of the spotlight. For a ceremony that witnessed several absences, these awards kept the global footballing community united, at least in spirit.

Joshua Garcia
Joshua Garcia
Joshua is a certified personal trainer with a degree in Kinesiology and a fitness blogger with a passion for helping others achieve their health and fitness goals. He also writes about a wide range of topics, including health and wellness, personal development, mindfulness, and sustainable living.

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