Football isn't always about the highlight reels. We live in an era where social media demand for "aura" and flashy dribbles usually dictates who we think is the best. So, when the news broke that Manchester City’s Rodri had won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the internet basically melted down.
Real Madrid stayed home. The seats for Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham were empty. It was high drama in Paris, the kind of stuff you’d expect from a Netflix series, not a prestigious sports gala. But once the dust settled and the "robbery" claims slowed down, a simple truth remained: the guy who controls the game finally won the game.
The Shock That No One Saw Coming
For months, the narrative was set. Everyone—and I mean everyone—thought Vinícius Júnior was going to walk away with that golden ball. He’d won the Champions League, scored in the final, and was arguably the most "electric" player on the planet. Real Madrid had a private jet fueled up and a 50-person delegation ready to fly to the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Then, hours before the ceremony, a leak changed everything.
Madrid found out Vini wasn't winning. In a move that honestly felt a bit like a tantrum, the club boycotted the whole thing. No Ancelotti. No Bellingham. Just empty chairs. Into that void stepped Rodri, hobbling on crutches due to a brutal ACL injury he’d suffered just weeks prior against Arsenal. It was a surreal image: the best player in the world, literally unable to walk without help, hoisting the heaviest individual trophy in sports.
Why Rodri Won the 2024 Ballon d'Or
You’ve got to look at the criteria to understand why the 100 journalists chose him. It wasn't just about stats; it was about the "unbeaten" factor. Rodri went on a 74-game unbeaten streak for club and country. Think about that for a second. Every time he stepped on the pitch for over a year, his team basically forgot how to lose.
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- The Anchor of City: He was the heartbeat of a Manchester City team that secured a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title.
- Euro 2024 MVP: He didn't just play for Spain; he conducted them. He was named the Player of the Tournament as Spain swept through Europe to lift the trophy.
- The "Big Game" Gene: People forget he’s a defensive midfielder who scores massive goals. Whether it’s the Champions League final (in 2023) or crucial league deciders, he shows up when the pressure is highest.
He finished with 1,170 points, narrowly beating out Vinícius Júnior, who had 1,129. That’s a razor-thin margin. It shows how much the voters valued the stability and tactical genius of a holding midfielder over the explosive brilliance of a winger.
It Was a Big Night for Spain All Around
While the men’s side was defined by controversy, the women’s side was defined by absolute dominance. Aitana Bonmatí won her second consecutive Ballon d'Or Féminin. Honestly, there isn't much left for her to win. She led Barcelona to a quadruple—League, Cup, Champions League, and Super Cup.
It’s kinda wild to think about. Spain became the first country ever to have the Men's winner, the Women's winner, and the Kopa Trophy winner (Lamine Yamal) all in the same year. If there was any doubt about where the center of the footballing universe is right now, 2024 answered it.
The Full 2024 Rankings (Top 10)
- Rodri (Manchester City / Spain)
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid / Brazil)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid / England)
- Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid / Spain)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City / Norway)
- Kylian Mbappé (PSG & Real Madrid / France)
- Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan / Argentina)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
- Toni Kroos (Real Madrid / Germany)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich / England)
The "Robbery" Debate: Did Vini Get Snubbed?
You can’t talk about the 2024 Ballon d'Or without mentioning the backlash. Brazil was furious. Real Madrid was insulted. Even legends like Cristiano Ronaldo chimed in later, suggesting the award was losing credibility because Vini's Champions League heroics were "overlooked."
But here’s the nuanced take: the Ballon d'Or isn't just a "Best Attacker" award. It’s supposed to reflect the best player. While Vini was spectacular in Europe, his Copa América campaign with Brazil was underwhelming. Rodri, meanwhile, was the best player in the Premier League and the best player at the Euros.
When you compare the two, Rodri had the more complete "full season" resume. He was the most consistent player from August to July.
Actionable Takeaways for Football Fans
If you're trying to make sense of how these awards work now, keep these things in mind for the future. The "Vini Snub" changed the game for how we predict winners.
- Watch the International Tournaments: In a major tournament year (Euros/Copa), your performance for your country is weighted heavily. Rodri winning Euro 2024 was the "tie-breaker."
- Ignore the Leaks: Until the person is on stage, nothing is certain. The 2024 edition proved that the "betting favorites" can be wrong.
- Value the Midfield: We are seeing a shift where tactical importance is being rewarded alongside goalscoring. If you want to understand the game, watch the players like Rodri who dictate the tempo, not just the ones who finish the moves.
Rodri’s win is a win for the "invisible" work of football. It's a reminder that you don't need to do step-overs to be the best in the world; sometimes, you just need to never lose.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
To truly understand Rodri's impact, watch a "full match" replay of Spain vs. Germany from Euro 2024. Don't look at the ball; just watch Rodri's positioning. It’s a masterclass in why he’s now a part of footballing history.