France Football has awarded the prize to the best footballer of 2024.
On Monday, October 28, the Chatelet Theatre in Paris hosted the award ceremony for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
The main award for the best footballer in the world in 2024 from the authoritative France Football magazine was received by the Spanish midfielder of Manchester City City” Rodri.
In the fight for the honorary prize, the 28-year-old Spaniard beat out three other finalists in the voting – Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior, English midfielder Jude Bellingham and Spanish defender Dani Carvajal, who play for Real Madrid.
Rodri, eyes on the prize! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/UWy0vsezK0
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
Last season, Rodri became the champion of England with Manchester City, and with the Spanish national team won Euro 2024. It was he who was recognized as the best player of the continental championship.
Rodri became the winner of the Golden Ball for the first time in his career. The record holder for the number of Golden Balls won remains Inter Miami and Argentina national team forward Lionel Messi, who has received this prize eight times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023).
The Argentine's closest pursuer is Al-Nassr and Portugal national team forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been recognized as the best footballer in the world five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017).
Earlier it was reported that France Football also presented awards in a number of other nominations, including the best goalkeeper and coach of 2024.