The Ballon d’Or remains the pinnacle of achievement for footballers worldwide, and after an outstanding 2023-24 season, the 2024 Golden Ball has been awarded to Rodri.
The Manchester City and Spain midfielder has established himself as the premier No. 6 in global football, playing a crucial role in City’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title. He also shone at Euro 2024, earning Player of the Tournament honors as Spain emerged victorious in Germany.
Rodri not only excelled defensively but also elevated his attacking contributions, netting 12 goals and providing 15 assists across all competitions. Remarkably, he experienced defeat only once in 90 minutes during the season, which occurred in the FA Cup final.
In claiming his first Ballon d’Or, Rodri outperformed Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, who finished second and third, respectively. Both were instrumental in Real Madrid’s successes in La Liga and the Champions League.
Here’s how the rest of the 30-man shortlist ranked:
=29. Artem Dovbyk (Roma)
The Ukrainian forward was key for Girona, scoring 24 goals and earning the top scorer award before transferring to Roma.
=29. Mats Hummels (Roma)
At 35, the German defender showcased his experience, playing every minute in Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League run before joining Roma.
28. Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
The left-back had a breakout season with 10 goals and 13 assists, helping Bayer Leverkusen clinch their first title.
27. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Portuguese midfielder was vital in PSG’s Ligue 1 title win and their run to the Champions League semi-finals.
26. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice justified Arsenal’s investment with seven goals and eight assists in the league, featuring prominently for England at Euro 2024.
25. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Palmer’s 22 goals and 11 assists were crucial for Chelsea, and he was instrumental in England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
24. William Saliba (Arsenal)
Saliba was a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, playing every minute of the Premier League season and contributing to France’s success.
23. Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
The center-back helped City retain their Premier League title and reach the FA Cup final while also performing well for Portugal.
22. Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)
Rudiger was a steady presence for both club and country, playing every minute for Germany during Euro 2024.
21. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
The young winger was pivotal in Arsenal’s title challenge and played a significant role for England at Euro 2024.
20. Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter)
Calhanoglu contributed 13 goals as Inter clinched another Serie A title and captained Turkey in the Euros.
19. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
The Arsenal captain’s eight goals and 10 assists were vital in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
18. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Martinez was instrumental in Villa’s fourth-place finish and continued his success with Argentina in the Copa America.
17. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Valverde was key for Real Madrid’s success, captaining Uruguay in the Copa America as they finished third.
16. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
The veteran midfielder played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten title run and DFB-Pokal victory.
15. Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
Williams excelled in La Liga, scoring five goals and assisting 11 while helping Spain win the Euro 2024 final.
14. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Lookman had a standout season, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final and contributing to Nigeria’s Cup run.
13. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Olmo’s strong performance for RB Leipzig helped him secure a transfer to Barcelona after his impactful play in the Euros.
12. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
The promising midfielder notched 11 goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga and continues to rise in European football.
11. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Foden scored 19 Premier League goals and played all seven of England’s Euro 2024 matches, further solidifying his reputation.
10. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Kane’s transition to Bayern was seamless, scoring prolifically despite not winning silverware in his debut season.
9. Toni Kroos (Retired)
The German icon ended his career on a high, helping Real Madrid to a double before leading Germany in the Euros.
8. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 17, Yamal showcased his talent at Barcelona and played a significant role for Spain during the Euros.
7. Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Martinez scored 24 Serie A goals and five in the Copa America, helping Argentina lift the trophy.
6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Despite off-field drama, Mbappé had a stellar season, scoring 44 goals and leading France in the Euros.
5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
What is there to say that hasn’t already been said about the Norwegian goal machine? A sensational 27 goals in 31 Premier League matches, plus six more in the Champions League, solidified his place as the best finisher in the game right now.
4. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
The veteran defender continued to be a crucial player for club and country, scoring in the Champions League final and celebrating Euros success.
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Bellingham had a dream debut season at Real Madrid, scoring 23 goals and assisting 11, playing a key role in England’s Euro run.
2. Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
Vinicius had a remarkable season, scoring 31 goals and contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s triumphs.
1. Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri’s influence on Manchester City is immense; he rarely loses when on the pitch and capped off an incredible year by winning Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024.
