Rodri Claims 2024 Ballon d’Or in Surprise Win Over Vinicius Jr and Bellingham
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has emerged as the unexpected winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, beating out strong contenders including Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal.
The Spanish midfielder clinched the prestigious award following a standout season, where he played a crucial role in Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and also helped Spain secure victory at the UEFA European Championship.
Rodri’s win took many by surprise, as Vinicius Junior had been widely tipped as the frontrunner for this year’s award. In a surprising turn of events, the Brazilian forward was informed at the last moment that he would not receive the prize, which led Real Madrid to boycott the ceremony. Despite their absence, Real Madrid was still awarded Club of the Year, with their manager Carlo Ancelotti recognized as Coach of the Year.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win underscores his contributions to City’s success and his impact on the international stage, solidifying his place among football’s elite.
