Rodri Wins 2024 Ballon d'Or Amid Controversy

Manchester City's Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Premier League player to receive this award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008, largely due to his pivotal role in Manchester City's Premier League victory and Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. The ceremony was overshadowed by controversy as Real Madrid boycotted the event after leaks suggested their star player, Vinicius Junior, would not win, despite his impressive performances that season. Vinicius, who finished second, expressed his disappointment on social media, alluding to systemic biases he believes contributed to his loss. Real Madrid's absence also meant that their awards for Men's Team of the Year and Carlo Ancelotti's Coach of the Year were accepted by no representatives. Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d'Or Feminin, adding to the night's discussions on the football awards' fairness and transparency.