Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The European champion with Spain, best player at Euro 2024 and champion with Manchester City received his award at a ceremony in Paris boycotted by Real Madrid. A ceremony that also had serious Bulgarian brilliance, thanks to Hristo Stoichkov.
30 years after he triumphed with the “Golden Ball”, the Bulgarian megastar of world football Hristo Stoichkov again took the stage to present the most prestigious awards in football. This time to personally announce the winner of the award named after Johan Cruyff for the best coach.
Stoichkov went on stage together with the son of the great Dutch football player and coach – Jordi Cruyff.
“It was very important for me to have such a coach, such a friend. And above all, a football father. He took a little boy from Bulgaria. He had great patience to work with me. To develop me, to help me, to guide me. He worked with amazing footballers, as I was lucky to play with them. It’s a very special moment for me and for my family. I’m very happy to be here – 30 years after winning the Ballon d’Or to be on this stage again. to present this award. The three “Golden Balls” that Johan won are the least he deserves,” said Hristo Stoichkov from the stage in Paris.
Jordi Cruyff announced the women’s winner – Emma Hayes (Chelsea).
Hristo Stoichkov announced the best coach in the world for men – Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian specialist who led the “white ballet” to the 15th trophy in the Champions League was part of the boycott of the “kings” at the ceremony and was not present to receive his award in person.
The entire delegation of “Real” (Madrid) literally got off the plane from the Spanish capital to the French one. The order came from club boss Florentino Perez after receiving information that the presumed winner Vinicius Junior did not actually win. And that the winner is not from the “white ballet”.
Behind Rodri, three players of “Real” (M) entered the top 4 – Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.
Rodri himself came to the ceremony on crutches because of the severe cruciate ligament injury he suffered in a Manchester City match.
RANKING FOR THE GOLDEN BALL FOR 2024:
1. Rodri (Man City/Spain)
2. Vinicius Junior (“Real”, Madrid/Brazil)
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
4. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/Spain)
5. Erling Haaland (Man City/Norway)
6. Kylian Mbappe (Real, Madrid and PSG/France)
7. Lautaro Martinez (Inter/Argentina)
8. Lamin Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
9. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/Germany)
10. Harry Kane (Bayern/England)
11. Phil Fouden (Man City/England)
12. Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen/Germany)
13. Dani Olmo (Barcelona/Spain)
14. Ademola Lookman (“Atalanta”/Nigeria)
15. Nico Williams (Athletic, Bilbao/Spain)
16. Granit Xhaka (“Leverkusen”/Switzerland)
17. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid/Uruguay)
18. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
19. Martin Jodegaard (Arsenal/Norway)
20. Hakan Calhanoolu (Inter/Turkey)
21. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal/England)
22. Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid/Germany)
23. Ruben Dias (Manchester City/Portugal)
24. William Saliba (Arsenal/France)
25. Cole Palmer (Chelsea/England)
26. Declan Rice (Arsenal/England)
27. Vitinia (PSG/Portugal)
28. Alex Grimaldo (Leverkusen/Spain)
29. Artyom Dovbyk (“Roma”/Ukraine)
29. Mats Hummels (“Roma”/Germany)
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Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the women’s Ballon d’Or, duplicating her success from last year.
Other prizes:
The Kopa Award for the best young player under 21: Lamin Yamal
Best Women’s Team: “Barcelona”
Best Men’s Team: “Real Madrid)
The “Gerd Müller” award for top scorer of the previous season: Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe
“Lev Yashin” award for the best goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
Socrates Award for Socially Responsible Behavior: Jenny Hermoso