Ballon d'Or: Manchester City's Rodri Emerged As Winner As Lamine Yamal Makes History With Kopa Trophy

 

Manchester City and Spain international, Rodri Hernandez has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, beating contenders like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Erling to the prestigious award. 

Rodri won the UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain, in the same year he won the Premier League title for the fourth consecutive time for Manchester City. Meanwhile, prior to the commencement of the ceremony, it had been rumoured that the defender had been voted for the award ahead of others. 

Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti received the men's coach of the year award. The 65-year-old led his club to win the Champions League and the La Liga last season. He was voted for the prize ahead of manager like Pep Guardiola. 

Lamine Yamal, 17, emerged as the winner of the Kopa Trophy as the most sought after youngster in the world. Winning the prestigious trophy makes him the youngest player to clinch the award. Just days ago, he became the youngest player to score in an El Clasico as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid by 4-0. 

Though Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane missed out on the ultimate award, Ballon d'Or they both were jointly awarded the prize for the best strikers, Gerd-Muller Trophy. 

In the goalkeeper category, Ason Villa and Argentina goalie, Emi Martinez was voted for the Yasmin Trophy as the best goalkeeper. Martinez has now for the season time in a row emerged as the winner of the award in Paris. He won his first after leading his country, Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA men's World Cup in Qatar. 

The winner of the Socrates award went to Spain women's football international, Jennifer Hermoso. For the women's Ballon d'Or, Spain international, Aitana Bonmati was the winner while Chelsea's Hayes won the women's coach of the year.