Tarz Press: The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris showcased Spanish football at its finest. Organized by France Football in collaboration with UEFA, the event at the Théâtre du Châtelet awarded Spain’s star players: Rodri, Manchester City’s powerful midfielder, received the Ballon d’Or as the best male player of the year, while Aitana Bonmati from Barcelona was named the best female player of the year.
These honors brought Spanish football back to the spotlight after 66 years, as the last Spaniard to win the Ballon d’Or was Luis Suárez in 1960. As in previous years, the ranking of the world’s best footballers was revealed from last to first, drawing everyone’s attention. Artem Dovbyk and Mats Hummels shared the 29th position, followed by stars like Alejandro Grimaldo and Vitinha in 28th and 27th place, respectively. The top players list also included notable names like Bukayo Saka and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who placed among the top 20.
The main event began with prominent figures from football, sports, and entertainment in attendance. One of the highlights was the Kopa Trophy, presented to Barcelona and Spanish national team rising star Lamine Yamal by Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit. This award, dedicated to young players, recognized Yamal’s promising future, while other young talents like Arda Güler, Kobbie Mainoo, Savinho, and Paco Cubarsi ranked second to fifth.
Barcelona’s women’s team received the award for Best Women’s Team of the Year, accepted by club president Joan Laporta and star captain Alexia Putellas. Real Madrid was named the Best Men’s Team, though their representatives did not attend due to a boycott. The rankings continued with top male players like Harry Kane, Toni Kroos, and Lamine Yamal finishing in 10th to 8th places, respectively.
The ceremony also paid tribute to German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, with a heartfelt moment shared by his family and friends. Liberia’s President George Weah, the 1995 Ballon d’Or winner, was also honored during a special segment.
The Lev Yashin Trophy for Best Goalkeeper of the Year went to Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s national team and Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, who impressed with his stellar performance last year. The Socrates Award was presented to Spain’s women’s national team star Jennifer Hermoso, in recognition of her efforts during the World Cup and overcoming significant challenges.
In the women’s category, Hollywood star Natalie Portman, an investor in football and co-owner of Angel City FC, presented Aitana Bonmati with the award for Best Female Player of the Year. Bonmati, celebrated for her outstanding performances with both the national team and club, led her Spanish teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, showcasing the strength of Spanish women’s football once again.
Finally, in the highlight of the ceremony, the 2024 Ballon d’Or was awarded to Rodri, Spain’s national team and Manchester City star. George Weah presented Rodri with this prestigious award, marking a historic moment for Spanish football and Manchester City, as Rodri became the first player from the club to win the Ballon d’Or. With a Premier League title and a Euro 2024 victory under his belt, Rodri’s achievement brought the honor back to Spain, cementing his place at the peak of his career.
