Ballon d'Or 2024: Rodri unexpectedly became the winner.

Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante - the best footballer of 2024 according to France Football

Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, midfielder of Manchester City and the Spanish national team, was recognized as the best footballer of 2024 according to France Football. This news was announced during the ceremony in Paris.

Rodrigo, who is 28 years old, received the most prestigious individual award in the world of football. Previously, he was also named the best player in Europe this year.

In the competition for the Ballon d'Or, Rodrigo surpassed Vinicius Junior, forward of Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham took third place. The top 10 also included Dani Carvajal, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Lautaro Martinez, Lamine Yamal, Toni Kroos, and Harry Kane.

Rodri became the third Spaniard to win the Ballon d'Or. The first winners were Alfredo Di Stefano and Luis Suarez Miramontes. In 2023, Rodri took fifth place.

In the 2023/24 season, Rodri played 50 matches, scoring 9 goals and providing 14 assists. He helped Manchester City win the Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. He also led the Spanish national team to victory at Euro 2024.

Other players were also awarded during the ceremony. Aitana Bonmati was named the best female footballer. Lamine Yamal received the Raymond Kopa trophy, and Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin prize. Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe received the Gerd Muller prize, and Jennifer Hermoso was awarded the Socrates prize. Real Madrid was named men's club of the year, and Barcelona women's club of the year. Emma Hayes and Carlo Ancelotti received the Johan Cruyff prize.

Real Madrid did not attend the ceremony. The team canceled its flight due to information about Rodri's victory, although earlier predictions favored Vinicius Junior for the Ballon d'Or.

It is also worth noting that in the classic match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Barcelona won with a score of 0-4.

Ukrainian Dynamo and Shakhtar drew.