Ballon d’Or | Rodri was elected Ballon d’Or 2024 despite predictions which gave Vinicius the winner

The surprise would have been total if Real Madrid had not decided to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony this Monday, in order to express its anger at not seeing Vinicius named best player in the world. While the Brazilian was at the top of all the predictions, information leaked during the day that he would ultimately not have been elected by the panel of 100 journalists. Who else than Rodri to win the ultimate prize? The midfielder was thus elected 68th Ballon d’Or at the Châtelet theater in Paris, and thus becomes the first player in the history of the Citizens to obtain this award.

The distinction rewards the Spaniard on an individual level, for having made himself indispensable in Pep Guardiola’s playing system at club. And on a collective level, since he was crowned champion of England with Manchester City and European champion with the Spanish selection, within which he also shone. It’s simple, the 28-year-old has only lost one match in a year. Whether for selection or club, every time a coach has fielded him, he has won or drawn, with the exception of the last FA Cup final lost against Manchester United.