Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, has been named the men’s Ballon d’Or winner, beating out a strong field of competitors. The 28-year-old Spaniard was honored for his outstanding performances with both his club and country, helping Spain to victory at the Euros and securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title with City. Despite being injured and standing on crutches, Rodri was presented with the top honor and used his acceptance speech to express gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career.
Rodri’s speech was a heartfelt tribute to his loved ones, including his girlfriend Laura, who also happened to be celebrating their anniversary. He also thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and the fans, expressing his appreciation for the values they have instilled in him and the role they have played in his success. The midfielder also acknowledged the importance of his team-mates, stating that he wouldn’t have achieved his goals without them.
Rodri Takes Top Honors at Ballon d’Or Ceremony (Image via Getty)
Meanwhile, Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati took home the women’s Ballon d’Or award for the second consecutive year. Bonmati’s success comes as Barcelona completed a clean sweep of the top three places in the women’s award, with Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo coming in second and third respectively.
However, the ceremony was marred by a notable absence – Real Madrid. Despite being named men’s club of the year, the Spanish giants opted to boycott the event, prompting a number of high-profile players and coaches to skip the ceremony as well. Carlo Ancelotti, who was in line to win the men’s coach of the year award, and Kylian Mbappe, who was expected to share the Gerd Muller trophy with Harry Kane, were both absent.
The snub comes as a surprise, given that Real Madrid have had a highly successful season, winning several major trophies and boasting a star-studded roster. However, the exact reasons behind their decision to boycott the ceremony remain unclear. Meanwhile, Rodri and Bonmati will bask in the glory of their respective awards, celebrated by their fans and teammates alike.
