Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí were named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winners in Paris on Monday evening, with Bonmatí taking home the women’s award for the second consecutive year.
As a midfielder for Barcelona, she played a pivotal role in leading her team to an unprecedented quadruple last season, winning every trophy available at the club level.
On the men’s side, Rodri of Manchester City received the award, beating out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Júnior, who chose to skip the ceremony in France after learning he would not win.
Rodri’s achievements last season included triumphs in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, as well as Euro 2024 with Spain.
While Vinicius Jr. was seen as Rodri’s closest competitor, he opted not to attend the event upon realizing he wouldn’t be awarded.
Rodri is the first midfielder to win since Luka Modric won it back in 2018.
Additionally, Rodri is the first Premier League player to win since Cristiano Ronaldo won it in 2008 when he was with Manchester United.
