In a dazzling display of skill and achievement, Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmati took the soccer world by storm as they were crowned the best in their respective categories at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris on Monday night. Rodri, the Manchester City dynamo, captured the men’s Ballon d’Or, marking a significant moment in his career after playing a pivotal role in his club’s Premier League victory and Spain’s European Championship success. Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmati continued her reign as the queen of the pitch, winning the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year, cementing her status as an extraordinary talent in women’s football.
The evening was nothing short of momentous as Rodri ascended to the stage on crutches, following an ACL injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season. Despite his current setback, the 28-year-old Spaniard was jubilant as he accepted the prestigious honor, succeeding the legendary Lionel Messi, who has previously won the award eight times. Rodri expressed his excitement, remarking, “Incredible night for me,” and underscored his commitment to constantly elevating his game with, “One of my key things is I always try to improve every game.”
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmati outshone her peers once again. The 26-year-old midfielder’s phenomenal performances have been instrumental in Barcelona’s dominance across various competitions, including the Spanish league, the Spanish cup, and the Champions League. Sharing this historic achievement with her teammate and fellow double-title winner, Alexia Putellas, Bonmati demonstrated her gratitude during her acceptance speech, which she received from Hollywood luminary Natalie Portman. “It’s a pleasure to be here again,” she said, radiating humility and pride.
Among the evening’s contenders in the men’s category was Vinícius Júnior, who emerged as one of the front-runners for the Ballon d’Or. Despite not attending the ceremony, his standout year with Real Madrid secured him second place in the voting, narrowly ahead of his teammate Jude Bellingham. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal was also recognized among the finalists, although he too opted out of attending the glitzy event in Paris.
. In a celebratory turn for the club, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti took home the Coach of the Year award, highlighting the highs and lows of the night for the Madridistas.
Rodri’s triumph was a testament to his exceptional role at Manchester City. While he may lack the flair and goal-scoring prowess of soccer icons like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, his importance on the field cannot be overstated. Known for his defensive acumen and precise passing, Rodri’s influence on the team has been enormous. “I try to be a leader and try to improve every day from the best,” he humbly stated, perhaps referencing the handiwork of replicating Spain’s effective quick-passing style, which shone brightly during Euro 2024.
Aitana Bonmati, on the other hand, has compiled an impressive goal tally, with her scoring 19 goals for Barcelona and registering a remarkable five goals in as many matches for Spain this year. Her impact on the pitch is seen as a combination of technical prowess and leadership, guiding her team to the pinnacle of European club football.
In addition to the major accolades of the evening, several other awards were presented. Lamine Yamal was honored as the Best Young Player, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane shared the accolade for Most Goals, while Emiliano Martinez was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper. In the best team categories, Real Madrid was named the Best Men’s Team, with Barcelona triumphing as the Best Women’s Team Manager, reaffirming the Spanish influence across the football world.
The ceremony in Paris served as a testament to the skill and dedication of these outstanding athletes, each claiming their rightfully deserved accolades through hard-earned victories and performances that have captivated fans and critics alike. Moving forward, both Rodri and Bonmati aim to continue enhancing their respective games and bringing more laurels to their clubs and countries, setting new standards and inspiring the next generation of soccer players.