Manchester City midfielder Rodri has shared his friends’ reactions to his Ballon d’Or 2024 win. He was adjudged the winner ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior on Monday (October 28) at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Rodri was among the favorites for the coveted prize after a stunning 2023-24 season with club and country. The Spaniard was a vital cog in Pep Guardiola’s side that retained the Premier League title for the fourth season on the trot.
Rodri ended the campaign with nine goals and 14 assists from 50 games across competitions. Over the summer, the player led his nation to the Euro 2024 title, starting every game except the third group-stage tie against Albania.
Speaking after winning the award, the Spaniard revealed how his friends reacted.
Vinicius Junior was heavily tipped to win the Ballon d’Or this year after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League, LaLiga, and the Supercopa de Espana last season. The Brazilian registered 24 goals and 11 assists from 39 games across competitions last campaign.
However, his failure to make a mark in Copa America might have cost him the coveted prize. Jude Bellingham finished third, securing his first podium finish. None of the Los Blancos entourage showed up to protest Vinicius missing out on the award.
Real Madrid were adjudged as the Men’s Team of the Year, while Carlo Ancelotti was honored with the Coach of the Year Award. Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d’Or Feminin.
