Ballon d’Or 2024: Rodri beats Vinicius to top men’s prize as Bonmati wins second straight women’s award

The Spanish midfielder’s standout season saw him play a crucial role in Manchester City’s record fourth consecutive Premier League title and shine in Spain’s Euro Championship triumph, where he was also named Player of the Tournament.

Rodri’s 2022-23 campaign was capped by his pivotal match-winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, which secured City’s first-ever European title and completed a remarkable treble.

In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati clinched her second consecutive Ballon d’Or, celebrating another stellar year.

The dynamic midfielder led Barcelona Femeni to a dominant season, securing four major titles, including the Liga F and the Women’s Champions League. Bonmati’s consistent excellence has established her as a dominant force in women’s football.

Adding to Spain’s triumph, Jenni Hermoso won the 2024 Socrates Award, recognising her efforts to advocate for women’s football and her stand against sexual harassment, highlighting her as a powerful voice both on and off the pitch.

The 2024 Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper went to Emiliano Martinez, who played a key role in Argentina’s Copa America victory and helped Aston Villa secure Champions League qualification. This is Martinez’s second Yashin Trophy win, underscoring his impact between ...s.

In the coaching categories, Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League success.

Meanwhile, Emma Hayes, now head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, won the Women’s Coach of the Year Award—now renamed the Johan Cruyff Award—after her historic Olympic gold victory in Paris.

Both Ancelotti and Hayes were notably absent from the Chatelet Theatre, delivering their gratitude remotely.