In an evening filled with excitement and celebration, the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony in Paris awarded some of the world’s most accomplished football stars, with Manchester City’s midfield powerhouse, Rodri, emerging as the men’s winner. Spain’s central maestro claimed the honor after a stellar year that included outstanding achievements for both club and country, marking Manchester City’s second Ballon d’Or winner in history. Rodri’s victory came amidst a close contest, notably edging out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham, who were notably absent from the ceremony as Real Madrid opted to boycott the event.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific striker, finished fifth in the final Ballon d’Or 2024 rankings. Though he didn’t attend the ceremony, choosing instead to watch his friend Erik Botheim win the Swedish title with Malmo, Haaland’s consistent presence in the top 10 for three consecutive years reinforces his status as one of Europe’s elite talents. Just ahead of Haaland, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal secured fourth place, while Paris Saint-Germain star Mbappe ranked sixth.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony also saw a new era for women’s soccer with awards for coaches. U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes claimed the Ballon d’Or for Women’s Soccer Coaches. Hayes’ journey to her first Ballon d’Or honor is remarkable, having only joined the USWNT in May 2024 after an illustrious tenure with Chelsea FC, which she led to victory in the English Women’s Super League. Hayes’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the U.S. team to Olympic gold, achieving a flawless record and restoring the team to the number-one spot in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings. Hayes now stands among legendary coaches, joining Anson Dorrance, Pia Sundhage, and Jill Ellis, all of whom triumphed in their first major tournament as USWNT head coach.
In the women’s player category, U.S. standout Sophia Smith claimed fourth place in the voting, with teammates Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Alyssa Naeher also ranking in the top 20 after a stellar Olympic performance.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony celebrated exceptional talent and introduced groundbreaking recognitions in the world of women’s soccer.