Celebrating the Stars of Football: Highlights from the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
On October 28, 2024, the glamour of Paris set the stage for one of the most anticipated events in the football calendar: the Ballon d’Or ceremony. This annual event honors the finest players, coaches, and teams from around the globe, celebrating their remarkable performances over the past season. As the awards were presented against the backdrop of the picturesque French capital, excitement filled the air as fans awaited the unveiling of this year’s winners.
A New Era Dawns: Absence of Legends
This year’s ceremony was notably significant for a cultural shift within football, as it marked the first time in two decades that neither Lionel Messi, the exhilarating winner of the men’s trophy in 2023, nor Cristiano Ronaldo were included on the nominees list. This absence signals a shift in the football landscape, indicating that a new generation of talent is ready to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or and take football into a new era. Young superstars like Vinicius Junior and Barca prodigy Lamine Yamal were among the favorites, setting the scene for potential first-time winners.
The Men’s Ballon d’Or: Rodri Takes the Crown
The spotlight shone brightest on Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who captured the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or in resounding fashion. His exceptional contributions were pivotal in Manchester City clinching both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League titles, as well as leading Spain to victory in the UEFA Euro. Rodri fended off tough competition from his Real Madrid teammates Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, solidifying his status amongst the elite.
Here are the final rankings for the men’s awards:
- Rodri (Manchester City)
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
With Rodri’s achievement, it underscored the continued strength of Spanish football on a global scale.
Aitana Bonmati Back-to-Back: Dominance in Women’s Football
In parallel, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati achieved further glory by retaining the Ballon d’Or Féminin, affirming her status as one of the brightest stars in women’s football. Her standout performances helped guide Barcelona to domestic and European success, and she has become a symbol of excellence not just for her club but for the women’s game as a whole.
Ranking of the women’s awards:
- Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
- Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
- Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
The remarkable success of the Barcelona women’s team, with three players on the podium, highlights the club’s dominance in the sport.
Honoring Excellence Beyond the Pitch
The ceremony also featured awards recognizing different facets of the game. The Gerd Muller Trophy went to both Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, celebrating their recognition as the top scorers in Europe, while Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was awarded the Yashin Trophy for his outstanding goalkeeping skills. Martinez’s contributions were vital in securing Argentina’s Copa America triumph and Villa’s Champions League qualification.
Recognizing Young Talents: Kopa Trophy Winner
In a heartening moment for youth in football, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal claimed the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player. This accolade marks a significant milestone in the young Barcelona star’s burgeoning career, as he became the youngest recipient of the honor.
The Socrates Award: Making a Difference
Another significant highlight was the Socrates Award, presented to Jenni Hermoso for her commitment to the development of women’s football and her activism against sexual assault. Her testament to using her platform for positive change resonates throughout the sport, echoing the growing acknowledgment of social issues within football.
Remembering the Legends
The Ballon d’Or is steeped in history, having been awarded for over 60 years. Beginning with Stanley Matthews in 1956, the award has celebrated the accomplishments of iconic figures like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and more recently, the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo. Listeners of the ceremony could reflect on the striking evolution of football and the legends that have helped mold it into what it is today.
As the ceremony concluded and the glitz of Paris faded, one thing was certain: the 2024 Ballon d’Or not only honored the current champions of the field but also highlighted the dynamic shift in the beautiful game. Football fans around the world eagerly await what the next chapter holds for their favorite sport.