The ceremony took place on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France. The event, attended by over 2,000 guests, was hosted by former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba alongside journalist Sandy Heribert.
Rodrigo Hernández Cascante 28, year's Old, secured his first Ballon d'Or after an outstanding year. He played a crucial role in helping Manchester City win the Premier League, losing only one match throughout the season. Additionally, he was instrumental in Spain's triumph at the 2024 UEFA EURO, where he was named the tournament's best player.
During the previous season, Rodri also contributed to Manchester City's historic treble by winning the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Notably, Rodri became the first Manchester City player ever to win the Ballon d'Or and the first Spaniard to do so since Luis Suárez in 1960.
Rodrigo Becomes the First Premier League Player to Win the Ballon d'Or Since 2008 Rodri also made history by becoming the first player from the Premier League to win the Ballon d’Or since Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the award in 2008. During the past season, Rodri scored 10 goals and provided 14 assists, showcasing his influence in both defense and attack.
Other awards presented at the ceremony included Real Madrid being named the Team of the Year, with its coach Carlo Ancelotti taking home the Coach of the Year award. Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona, aged 17, was honored as the Best Young Player of the Year. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé shared the Top European Goal Scorer award, each having scored 52 goals across competitions. The Best Goalkeeper of the Year award went to Emiliano Martinez, who plays for Argentina’s national team and Aston Villa.
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí, a 26-year-old Spanish midfielder for FC Barcelona, won the Women’s Ballon d'Or. Bonmatí had an exceptional season, winning four major trophies: Liga F, the Champions League, the Supercopa, and the Copa de la Reina. The Women’s Coach of the Year award went to England’s Emma Hayes, now leading the U.S. women’s national team.
For the First Time Since 2003, Neither Lionel Messi Nor Cristiano Ronaldo Featured in the Ballon d'Or Race For the first time in 21 years, neither 37-year-old Lionel Messi nor 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo was among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or. Over the past two decades, the two football icons dominated the award, with Messi winning it eight times and Ronaldo five.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, Rodri, unfortunately, suffered a severe injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season. The injury occurred during Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, further complicating the season for both him and his club.
Rodrigo secured the Ballon d'Or ahead of Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid, who finished second, and his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham, who came in third.
