For the first time in the 21st century, a player of Spanish nationality has won the most prestigious individual distinction. European champion with La Roja, English champion with Manchester City and author of an astonishingly consistent season,
Rodri was crowned France Football Ballon d’Or.
A 2024 edition marked by the controversy surrounding the absence of the Real Madrid delegation. By canceling its visit to Paris for the ceremony which took place at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the Spanish club reignited the controversies surrounding the leaked results.
Ballon d’Or 2024: what really happened?
While several media outlets suggested that the verdict had been communicated well before the ceremony, this would not be the case. Real Madrid had also planned everything, with around fifty club representatives (players, technical staff and managers included) having planned the trip to France. But it was based on rumors on Monday afternoon that the Spanish club would have reversed course.
Some sources have indicated that Manchester City – and therefore Rodri – were in the know. Speculations which do not reflect reality, as recalled by Vincent Garcia, the editor-in-chief of France Football. “ Nobody knew about it, neither at Real nor at City. The emotion Rodri had on stage is the best answer. He wasn’t aware of anything. (This emotion) puts an end to all speculation according to which we could have warned one or the other”explained the journalist on La Chaîne L’Equipe, while specifying that “all the favorite clubs insisted on having the information”.
Words that Rodri also wanted to confirm. “ When they called my name, I had no information, obviously none. Nothing had been sent to me, nothing communicated. I attended the ceremony like anyone else. It means a lot. I can only enjoy the moment, it’s also extremely rewarding. It’s a huge gift. » File closed.
