Rodri Wins Ballon d'Or 2024, Lamine Yamal Takes Kopa Trophy;

Synopsis: In the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Manchester City's Rodri emerged as the best men's footballer, while Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati secured her second consecutive Ballon d'Or Féminin. Lamine Yamal claimed the Kopa Trophy, and despite boycotting the event, Real Madrid took home top team honors.

Ballon d'Or 2024: Rodri scoops top prize, Yamal wins Kopa Trophy as Real Madrid is feted on boycott day

The much-anticipated ceremony for the 2024 Ballon d'Or took place in Paris, with Manchester City and Spain star Rodri coming out as the best male footballer in the world. He won against Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal. He is at the peak of his glorious season where Rodri guided Manchester City to their fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain to its first Euro 2024 title, where he also picked the Player of the Tournament.

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Aitana Bonmati has maintained the Women's Ballon d'Or Title

In the women's category, Aitana Bonmati successfully defended her world top female footballer title. Following a very impressive season where she helped her club, Barcelona, clinch the Spanish League, the Spanish Cup, and the UEFA Champions League, Bonmati became only the second player for Barcelona to win the Ballon d'Or Féminin twice. ''She edged past her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo to claim a 1-2-3 podium finish for the Spanish outfit.

It's a pleasure to be here again," said Bonmati, who received her award from actress Natalie Portman. "Thanks to my teammates and the clubs that push me to improve every year.

Lamine Yamal wins Kopa Trophy

17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best U-21 player. The equalizing goal for Spain in the Euro 2024 semifinal against France was one of Yamal's performances that gave him the status of a coming star. He scored as many as 16 goals and provided four assists through the 2023/24 season, making him a position among the greatest talents in the game.

It followed in the footsteps of earlier winners including Kylian Mbappe, Matthijs de Ligt, and Pedri. The prize was given by one of football legends, Ruud Gullit.

Real Madrid full team

Real Madrid Silences with Boycott End

While the Real Madrid players may have boycotted the ceremony to protest at missing out on Ballon d'Or with Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal, Men's Team of the Year for the club was awarded to the team. Carlo Ancelotti received the award for Men's Coach of the Year for this season that ended with a win for La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

In the ladies' category, Chelsea women's manager Emma Hayes took the Women's Coach of the Year trophy award for her outstanding command in another successful season.

Also read: Real Madrid vs Barcelona Live Stream: How to Watch, Team News & Predictions for El Clasico 2024

Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane Win Gerd Muller Trophy

New Signing Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane shared the 2023/24 Trophy Gerd Muller - the best goal scorers in all competitions. Their impressive goal tally was standing at 52 goals from the season.