2 weeks Ago By Staff Writers
Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmati have won the men's and women's Ballon d'Or award for the world's best soccer player. The 28-year-old Rodri won the prestigious award for the first time after helping Manchester City win the Premier League and being a key player in Spain's European Championship triumph. He succeeded eight-time winner Lionel Messi of Argentina.
Rodri put his hands over his face when his name was read out by former winner George Weah. "Incredible night for me," said Rodri, who is out for the season after injuring his ACL playing for City last month and arrived on crutches to the ceremony. "One of my key things is I always try to improve every game.
I try to be a leader and try to improve every day from the best." The 26-year-old Bonmati retained her award on Monday night after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, the Spanish cup and the Champions League. Bonmati joined Barca teammate Alexia Putellas in winning two titles since the women's trophy was first awarded in 2018.
She beat her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway and Salma Paralluelo of Spain as Barcelona completed a 1-2-3. "It's a pleasure to be here again," said Bonmati. "Thanks to my teammates and the clubs who make me a better football player every year.
" Vinicius Junior was among the four men's finalists but the Real Madrid and Brazil star did not come for the gala in central Paris. No one from Madrid attended the ceremony, even though Carlo Ancelotti won the coach of the year award. Erling Haaland also skipped the event, preferring instead a trip to Sweden to see his friend Erik Botheim win the league with Malmo, who beat bitter rivals IFK Gothenburg 2-1 for a second straight Allsvenskan title and fourth in five years.
The 24-year-old Manchester City striker and Botheim became friends while playing for Norway's junior national team, and they also featured in a rap video together with Erik Sandberg that has been viewed more than 12 million times on YouTube. Haaland scored 27 goals in 31 matches as City retained their Premier League title last season. At the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony he finished as runner-up to Argentina's Lionel Messi.
Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo — winners of the prestigious individual award a combined 13 times — were in the running for this year's prize — the first time that's happened since 2003. The Ballon d'Or was created by France Football magazine and has been awarded since 1956 for the men, and since 2018 for the women. It is voted for by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.
.
