Tonight, the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where France Football magazine will crown the best player of the past season.
With all eyes set on the outcome, Brazilian star Vinicius Junior was widely seen as the top contender for the award. However, his absence at the ceremony has sparked speculation that Spanish midfielder Rodri may emerge as the winner.
Vinicius Junior’s spectacular 2023/24 season with Real Madrid and Brazil earned him the status of a favorite. The winger delivered a phenomenal performance with 24 goals and nine assists in 39 matches for Los Blancos.
He played a decisive role in helping Real Madrid secure their 15th Champions League title, scoring the winning goal in the final and making crucial contributions in the quarterfinals and semifinals against Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Vinicius also lifted the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga trophies, capping off a historic season.
Meanwhile, Rodri’s influence both at the club and national levels has been widely acknowledged. The Manchester City midfielder played an indispensable role, appearing in 45 games and contributing nine goals and 12 assists.
His commanding presence helped City win the Premier League, the European Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. With Spain, Rodri played 14 matches, scoring three goals and playing a pivotal role in their European Championship triumph.
Speaking about Rodri’s significance, a Spanish football analyst commented, “He was the backbone of both Manchester City and Spain. His consistency, leadership, and contributions in crucial matches are what set him apart.”
Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal is another contender whose impressive performance cannot be overlooked. Carvajal netted six goals and registered six assists in 41 matches, including a crucial goal in the Champions League final.
His form with Real Madrid and his importance to Spain’s European Championship victory solidified his place as one of the top contenders.
Jude Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid last season, has also been among the standout candidates. The English midfielder scored 23 goals and assisted 13 times, guiding Real Madrid to triumphs in the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup. His debut season in Spain exceeded all expectations, adding to his growing reputation.
However, despite his club success, Bellingham’s international campaign fell short, with England losing in the final of the European Championship against Spain.
With Vinicius’ absence and speculation growing, the spotlight is on Rodri to claim the prestigious award. Should he win, it would be a testament to a season marked by consistency, leadership, and major titles at both club and national levels.
