Manchester City's Rodri took home the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for 2024, edging out Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham. However, tensions were high as Real Madrid decided to boycott the event after learning that Vinicius Jr would not receive the award. Despite this, Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal showed true sportsmanship by being the first to congratulate Rodri on his win, despite being unable to attend due to a season-ending injury.
Rodri Triumphant: City Star Claims Prestigious Ballon d'Or
Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez has been crowned the 2024 winner of the coveted Ballon d'Or award. Rodri's exceptional season, marred only by a season-ending injury to Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal, has earned him the highest individual honor in world football.
Rodri's Rise to Stardom
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has quickly established himself as a vital cog in Pep Guardiola's midfield. Known for his exceptional passing range and ball-winning abilities, Rodri has played a key role in City's impressive domestic dominance.
Controversy Surrounding Real Madrid's Boycott
Real Madrid's decision to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony, despite Vinicius Jr being shortlisted, cast a shadow over the event. The club cited concerns about the voting process and a perceived bias against their players. However, Carvajal's gracious gesture of congratulating Rodri on his win showed that sportsmanship and respect still prevailed.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who was the runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or?
2. Why did Real Madrid boycott the event?
3. Who won the Ballon d'Or in the previous year?
4. Is Rodri the first Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or?
5. What factors contributed to Rodri's victory?
Conclusion
Rodri's Ballon d'Or triumph is a testament to his exceptional talent and the transformative impact he has had on Manchester City. While the controversy surrounding Real Madrid's boycott cast a pall over the event, the true sportsmanship displayed by Dani Carvajal served as a reminder of the unity that can exist even amidst competition.
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Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has praised Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, stating that he has all the qualities to be remembered as the greatest all-format bowler of all time. He highlighted Bumrah's variety in his bowling, with his ability to ace the slower ball, deliver perfect yorkers, swing the ball, and change his delivery at the last moment. However, while Bumrah has had tremendous success in all formats of the game, he has had a rough start to the India-New Zealand series.
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Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior has expressed his disappointment on finishing second in the voting for the Ballon d'Or award, which was won by Manchester City's Rodri. Real Madrid also won the award for club of the year and Carlo Ancelotti was named the best coach. Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane shared the Gerd Muller Trophy for best goalscorer, after scoring 52 goals each in the previous season.
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