Ballon d’Or 2024 Results: Rodri and Bonmati Take Top Honors, Full Rankings Revealed

The 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony: A New Era in Football

On October 28, 2024, the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony took place in Paris, celebrating the finest talents in football over the past season. This year’s event was particularly significant as it marked a turning point in the sport, with neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo nominated for the first time in two decades. The absence of these two legends signals the dawn of a new era in global soccer, where fresh faces and emerging talents are stepping into the limelight.

Key Contenders and Winners

The spotlight of the evening was on Vinicius Junior and Aitana Bonmati, who were the favorites for the coveted awards. Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s young sensation Lamine Yamal were also in the mix, generating excitement among fans and pundits alike. Ultimately, Rodri emerged victorious, overcoming fierce competition from Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior to claim the men’s Ballon d’Or. His exceptional performances for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team solidified his place at the top.

In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati continued her remarkable form, securing back-to-back wins for the Ballon d’Or Feminin. Her contributions to Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football were undeniable, showcasing her skills and leadership on the pitch.

Final Rankings: Men’s Ballon d’Or 2024

The final rankings for the men’s Ballon d’Or were as follows:

1. Rodri – Manchester City
2. Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
3. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
4. Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid
5. Erling Haaland – Manchester City
6. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
7. Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan
8. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
9. Toni Kroos – Real Madrid
10. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

The list reflects a strong presence from Real Madrid, which had a stellar season, alongside Manchester City’s impressive performances in domestic and European competitions.

Final Rankings: Ballon d’Or Feminin 2024

The women’s Ballon d’Or rankings showcased the depth of talent in women’s football, particularly highlighting Barcelona’s dominance:

1. Aitana Bonmati – Barcelona
2. Caroline Graham Hansen – Barcelona
3. Salma Paralluelo – Barcelona
4. Sophia Smith – Portland Thorns
5. Lindsey Horan – Lyon

Barcelona’s clean sweep of the top three positions underscores their status as a powerhouse in women’s football.

Special Awards: Gerd Muller Trophy and Yashin Trophy

The Gerd Muller Trophy, awarded to the best goal-scorer in Europe, was shared between Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe this year. Kane, who now plays for Bayern Munich, expressed his admiration for the legendary striker Gerd Muller during his acceptance speech, highlighting the significance of the award.

The Yashin Trophy, recognizing the best male goalkeeper, was retained by Emiliano Martinez. After his instrumental role in Argentina’s Copa America victory and Aston Villa’s Champions League qualification, Martinez’s performances continue to earn him accolades.

Kopa Trophy: A Rising Star

The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player, was claimed by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, Yamal not only won the award but also became the youngest-ever recipient of the Kopa Trophy. His remarkable talent and potential have set the stage for a bright future, as he aims to surpass the records set by football legends.

Socrates Award: Recognizing Humanitarian Efforts

The Socrates Award, which honors humanitarian work in football, was awarded to Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso. Her commitment to promoting equality and empowerment in women’s football, along with her advocacy against sexual assault, has made her a role model for many. Hermoso’s acceptance speech resonated with many, as she vowed to continue her fight for women’s rights in sports and beyond.

Historical Context: The Evolution of the Ballon d’Or

The Ballon d’Or has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1956 when it was first awarded to Stanley Matthews. Over the decades, the award has seen legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and more recently, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominate the scene. The transition to a new generation of players, as evidenced by this year’s winners, reflects the evolving landscape of football.

The Future of Football

As the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony concluded, it became clear that the future of football is bright. With emerging talents like Rodri, Aitana Bonmati, and Lamine Yamal taking center stage, fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter in the sport. The absence of Messi and Ronaldo may have marked the end of an era, but it also paves the way for new heroes to rise and inspire the next generation of footballers.