Rodri Named Ballon d'Or Winner for 2024

Rodri has been awarded the 2024 Ballon d'Or, a surprise to many as Vinicius Jr. was favored to win. In protest against Rodri's win, Vinicius and the Real Madrid delegation boycotted the award ceremony in Paris. Rodri praised young talent Lamine Yamal, who won the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player, expressing confidence that Yamal will win the Ballon d'Or in the future. Rodri's victory marks the first time in over 20 years that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were nominated. The Ballon d'Or organizers defended the award's confidentiality rules amid scrutiny from Real Madrid, insisting that no one knew the winner in advance. Rodri's triumph capped off a remarkable season, including victories in both the Premier League and Euro 2024.