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The annual Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris saw Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí crowned as the winners for 2024. Bonmatí, a Spanish midfielder for FC Barcelona, successfully defended her 2023 title, while Rodri, a Manchester City and Spain midfielder, secured his first Ballon d’Or following an exceptional year marked by Premier League and European championships, as well as a Club World Cup victory. This year's award ceremony, however, was marred by a significant protest from Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants had initially planned to attend the ceremony, but upon discovering that their star forward, Vinícius Júnior, had not been chosen as the winner, they opted for a complete boycott. Real Madrid's decision to withdraw their presence at the ceremony underscored the club's strong dissatisfaction with the outcome of the award. This move also highlighted the perceived injustice felt by some within the football world, particularly within Real Madrid's ranks, regarding the selection of Rodri over Vinícius Júnior.
The boycott, while a bold statement from Real Madrid, ultimately left the ceremony without a representative to accept the award for men's club of the year. This unusual situation further emphasized the tension surrounding the Ballon d’Or awards and the competitive nature of the footballing world. It also raised questions about the criteria used for selecting the winners and the transparency of the process. As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the Ballon d’Or is a prestigious award that continues to generate both celebration and controversy within the global football community.
Source: Rodri and Bonmatí win Ballons d’Or as Real Madrid boycott ceremony – video