Spanish midfielder Rodri wins 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or ahead of Vinicius Jr and Bellingham

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has won the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or prize, an award given to the best footballer of the year. This is his first Ballon d’Or win, following a colourful ceremony in Paris, France.

The Spanish player lost only one match throughout last season while representing City and Spain.

Rodri helped Spain win the Euro 2024 and was named the tournament’s best player. He also claimed the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City.

“A very special day for me, my family and my country,” said Rodri.

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The player, who appeared at the ceremony on crutches, was helped Chelsea legend and co-host Didier Drogba to receive his award. Rodri had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September.

Interestingly, the 28-year-old becomes the first player in the English club’s history to win the Ballon d’Or.

Real Madrid duo complete top three

Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr. claimed the second position while England midfielder Jude Bellingham came third.

Bellingham’s third is the highest an English player has finished in the award since Frank Lampard’s second-place finish in 2005.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid won the award for Club of the Year. Los Blancos Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti was named the Men’s Coach of the Year. However, there was no representative from the club to receive the awards.

Earlier on Monday, reports had indicated that Real Madrid were boycotting the ceremony. News had filtered in about the leaked about the ranking which suggested Vinicius would not win the Ballon d’Or.

Tags: 2024 Ballon d’Or, Rodri, Spain, Manchester City, Paris, France, Didier Drogba, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports.