The 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony: A Night of New Beginnings in Paris
On October 28, 2024, the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony took place in the heart of Paris, celebrating the exceptional talents of players, coaches, and teams who have made significant impacts in the world of soccer over the past season. This year’s event was particularly notable as it marked a significant shift in the landscape of football, with the absence of two of the sport’s greatest icons, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, from the nominees list for the first time in two decades.
A New Era in Football
The absence of Messi and Ronaldo signifies a new era in global soccer, one that opens the door for fresh talent to emerge and claim the spotlight. The favorites for the coveted awards included Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid and Aitana Bonmati from Barcelona, both of whom had stellar seasons. Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal were also in the mix, adding to the excitement surrounding the ceremony.
The Winners of the Night
As the ceremony unfolded, the winners of the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards were announced. Rodri, after an outstanding season with Manchester City and the Spanish national team, triumphed over fierce competition from his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. This victory not only highlights Rodri’s individual brilliance but also underscores Manchester City’s dominance in recent football history.
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati continued her remarkable journey by securing the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the second consecutive year. Her performance has been pivotal in Barcelona’s success, further solidifying the club’s position as a powerhouse in women’s football.
Final Rankings: Men’s Ballon d’Or 2024
The final rankings for the men’s Ballon d’Or were as follows:
- Rodri (Manchester City)
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
The list reflects a blend of established stars and emerging talents, illustrating the evolving nature of the game.
Final Rankings: Ballon d’Or Feminin 2024
The women’s Ballon d’Or rankings showcased Barcelona’s dominance, with Bonmati leading the way:
- Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
- Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
- Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
- Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)
- Lindsey Horan (Lyon)
Barcelona’s clean sweep of the top three positions is a testament to their exceptional squad depth and talent.
Special Awards: Gerd Muller Trophy and Yashin Trophy
The Gerd Muller Trophy, awarded to the best goal-scorer in Europe, was shared between Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. Kane, who now plays for Bayern Munich, expressed his admiration for the legendary striker Gerd Muller during his acceptance speech, highlighting the importance of such accolades in recognizing goal-scoring prowess.
The Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best male goalkeeper, was retained by Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper had a stellar season, playing a crucial role in Argentina’s Copa America victory and helping his club secure Champions League qualification.
The Kopa Trophy: Recognizing Young Talent
The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world’s best young player, went to Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, Yamal made history as the youngest-ever recipient of this award. His selection over other talented nominees like Kobbie Mainoo and Savinho marks him as a player to watch in the coming years.
The Socrates Award: Acknowledging Humanitarian Efforts
The Socrates Award, which honors humanitarian work in football, was awarded to Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso. Her commitment to promoting equality and her activism against sexual assault were recognized, emphasizing the role of athletes as advocates for social change. Hermoso’s inspiring words during her acceptance speech resonated with many, as she pledged to continue her fight for women’s rights in sports.
Historical Context: The Legacy of the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1956 when Stanley Matthews became the first recipient. Over the decades, the award has seen legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and more recently, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominate the scene. The 2024 ceremony not only honored current stars but also hinted at the potential for new legends to emerge as the game evolves.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony was a celebration of talent, resilience, and the ever-changing landscape of football. With new stars rising and established legends stepping aside, the future of the sport looks bright, promising exciting narratives and fierce competition in the seasons to come.