The Ballon d’Or rankings 2024 witnessed fierce competition among a large number of football stars across the European continent.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or, presented by the French magazine France Football, was exceptional, especially after the joint collaboration with UEFA, which saw the merging of the UEFA Best Player awards with the Ballon d’Or honors.
Winning the Ballon d’Or is often linked with lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy, but there have been players who managed to stand on the podium without achieving that particular success.
According to the magazine, the key evaluation criteria for the nominees included performance and assists on the pitch, playing a decisive role in leading their teams to silverware, as well as demonstrating fairness and discipline.
Who Was Crowned Ballon d’Or 2024?
Rodri won the Ballon d’Or 2024 after an exceptional season with Manchester City and the Spanish national team. He was the heartbeat of the midfield, playing almost every match with remarkable consistency.
Rodri’s triumph broke the dominance of forwards and playmakers in the Ballon d’Or, as he became one of the few defensive midfielders ever to win the award. His victory highlights the importance of balance and tactical control — proving that decisive contributions are not always about scoring goals, but about dictating the rhythm.
Read also:
- Ballon d’Or 2023 Rankings: Messi or Ronaldo?
- Ballon d’Or 2012 Rankings Revealed
- Ballon d’Or 2005 Rankings Revealed
Rodri – Ballon d’Or Winner 2024: Why He Deserved It
In a major surprise, Spanish star Rodri (Rodrigo Hernández) of Manchester City and the Spanish national team won the 2024 Ballon d’Or after a fierce battle with Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal.
Despite those big names who lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, Rodri claimed the award — and here are the reasons why.
Rodri stood out with his precise passing, control of the game’s tempo, and intelligent ball recoveries, making him the key figure in Pep Guardiola’s system. With Spain, he continued to be a decisive presence, proving himself indispensable for both club and country.
Achievements with Manchester City: Rodri played a pivotal role in guiding Manchester City to their fourth consecutive Premier League title, a historic feat that underlined the club’s domestic dominance.
He also proved decisive in helping City lift both the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Individual Statistics: Over the course of the season, Rodri made 50 appearances across all competitions, contributing directly to 23 goals with 9 scored and 14 assists.
In the Premier League alone, he recorded 8 goals and 9 assists, an exceptional return for a defensive midfielder.
International Brilliance with Spain: Rodri’s excellence extended beyond club football, as he became a driving force for the Spanish national team, playing a central role in their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph.
He netted 3 goals in 9 appearances, including crucial strikes in the knockout stages, further cementing his status as an irreplaceable figure in midfield.
Comparison with Vinícius
Vinícius Júnior also had a fantastic season with Real Madrid, serving as the team’s main attacking weapon and scoring decisive goals in La Liga and the Champions League. His pace, dribbling, and ability to shine in big matches made him a strong contender for the award.
However, Rodri’s consistency throughout the year and his influence across all competitions gave him the edge. While Vinícius impressed with his attacking brilliance, Rodri’s all-around impact in midfield convinced the voters to hand him the trophy.
Ballon d’Or 2024: Top 10 Players
Here are the top 10 in the 2017 Ballon d’Or rankings—those who were closest to Rodri and Vinícius in the voting.
The table shows their rank, nationalities, clubs, and points.
| Order | Player | Club | Nationality | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rodri | Manchester City | Spain | 1170 |
| 2 | Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid | Brazil | 1129 |
| 3 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | England | 917 |
| 4 | Dani Carvajal | Real Madrid | Spain | 550 |
| 5 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | Norway | 432 |
| 6 | Kylian Mbappé | Paris Saint-Germain[a] | France | 420 |
| 7 | Lautaro Martínez | Inter Milan | Argentina | 402 |
| 8 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | Spain | 383 |
| 9 | Toni Kroos | Real Madrid | Germany | 291 |
Don’t miss: Ballon d’Or Rankings 2022: Top 10 Players
Additional Notes on the 2024 Ballon d’Or
A defensive midfielder wins: Rodri’s triumph was exceptional, as he became the first defensive midfielder to win the award since Lothar Matthäus, breaking the long tradition of strikers and playmakers dominating the prize.
Vinícius was the closest rival: Despite his brilliant performances with Real Madrid, scoring decisive goals in both the Champions League and La Liga, Vinícius narrowly missed out. His absence from the podium’s top spot sparked debates, especially since he won the UEFA Champions League Best Player award.
Spain’s return to the spotlight: After years without a Spanish winner, Rodri’s victory brought Spain back to the top of world football, showcasing the strength of a new generation.
Consistency matters: Voters highlighted the importance of consistency throughout the season, which gave Rodri the edge over Vinícius, who delivered in big moments but lacked the same steady presence.
The Messi-Ronaldo era fades: For the first time in over 15 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were serious contenders for the award, marking the beginning of a new era in Ballon d’Or history.
The attack vs. defense debate: Rodri’s win reignited the age-old question: should the award go to the flashy forwards who score goals, or to the players who control games and provide balance from deeper positions?
