Ballon d’Or 2024: Real Madrid named best men’s team, Barcelona clinch women’s award

The Spanish giants claimed the honour following a stellar season including triumphs in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup.

However, in a surprising move, the club chose to boycott the ceremony, leaving the award uncollected on the night.

In the women’s category, Barcelona Femeni took the honours as the best team of the year.

Club president Joan Laporta accepted the award on behalf of Barcelona before handing it over to the players, who joined him on stage to celebrate the historic recognition.

“We are extremely honoured,” Laporta said, expressing deep gratitude to the squad. “I want to say thank you, thank you, and thank you to the players, the coach, the staff. Barça is a club that plays beautiful football, especially in El Clasico, and that’s why it’s a club loved all over the world.”

Barcelona Femeni’s accolade came after a remarkable season in which they completed a historic quadruple, clinching the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga F, and the Copa de la Reina—a first for the club.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe were both presented with the 2024 Gerd Muller Trophy, awarded to the season’s top scorers. Each player ended the 2023-24 campaign with an impressive tally of 52 goals.

The evening also included a moving tribute to Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary German footballer and manager, celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to the sport.