BREAKING Man City’s Rodri wins Ballon d’Or regardless of being booed by followers in attendance
Manchester City star Rodri has won the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Rodri, 28, has pipped Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham to the top spot of the prestigious trophy. The City star arrived at the Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, on crutches as audible boos could be heard by fans outside the venue.
George Weah announced Rodri had won the prestigious award to chants of “Vini” from the crowd – becoming the first Premier League player to win the award since 2008.
He said: “”First of all, I would like to thank the most important person in the world for me; my girlfriend Laura. Today is our anniversary.
Vinicius, who was part of Real Madrid’s all-conquering side, had been red hot favourite to take the award. However, Rodri emerged as the favourite on Monday afternoon after reports emerged that the Brazilian would no longer be travelling to Paris.
Real Madrid told AFP: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
Rodri’s success is largely down to him playing a leading role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph – where he broke English hearts in the final.
The City star, who added anotherPremier Leaguetitle to his CV, was voted as the tournament’s best player, but Carvajal was also part of the Spanish side.
Real claim that his involvement – coupled with him also winning the Champions League – should stand him ahead of Rodri if it is international success that they have used as their main standpoint. Vinicius was unable to add the Copa America to his European success in the summer as Brazil fell short.
City have had to do without their star man this season after he limped out of Champions’ 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League following a collision with Thomas Partey.
“He had surgery this morning – ACL and some meniscus,” Guardiola said on the following Friday. “So, next season he will be here. This season is over [for him].”
Over on the women’s side, Aitana Bonmati picked up her second Ballon d’Or.
More to follow