Balon de Oro

Rodri Steals the Show at the 2024 Ballon d'Or – Sorry, Vinicius!

In a shocking turn of events, Rodri became the first Spanish winner of the Ballon d'Or in 64 years! But not everyone is celebrating…

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony was filled with anticipation and excitement, but it was Rodri, the midfield maestro from Manchester City, who took home the coveted trophy. Ending a staggering 64-year drought without a Spanish winner, Rodri's success put a spotlight on his incredible contributions to both his club and the Spanish national team. Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid, who was a strong contender for the award, found himself on the sidelines, having decided to skip the ceremony amidst the ongoing debates about the favoritism inherent in the awards.

Vinicius's absence rocked the event, as fans and pundits alike voiced their opinions on the circumstances surrounding the award. Many believed that the Brazilian forward had earned the title with his exceptional performances throughout the year, but this was not to be. As reactions poured in from all corners, Brazilians expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, highlighting their discontent at not seeing their star player recognized. It seemed that while Spain celebrated, Brazil grieved.

In a gleeful twist, Rodri responded to his win with humility, calling the Ballon d'Or “a gift” acknowledging not just his efforts but the hard work of his teammates along the journey to success. His impact during the Champions League last season showcased his exceptional skills and composure on the pitch, confirming his status as a pivotal player for his team. Additionally, Aitana Bonmatí also shined in the spotlight, clinching the women’s Ballon d'Or award, further signaling Spanish dominance in the football world.

As the celebrations wrapped up, the haunting question from this whirlwind of events was: can Vinicius Jr. bounce back and ensure that next year's Ballon d'Or sees him on the podium? Only time will tell, but for now, Rodri and Bonmatí are reigning champions, basking in the glory of their hard-earned accolades.

Did you know that the last Spanish winner before Rodri was Luis Suárez in 1960? That's right, a whole generation of footballers categorically failed to bring home the golden glory until now! Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr., still only 23, already boasts an impressive career with Real Madrid, but the quest for his first Ballon d'Or continues. With such fierce competition, the world of football promises to deliver more thrilling storylines ahead!