During Monday’s gala evening at the Theater du Chatelet in Paris, the language of Spain was most often heard. A footballer from this country, Rodri, won his first Ballon d’Or by France Football magazine for the 2023/2024 season and was succeeded by several compatriots on the stage during the awards ceremony.
The trophy for the best soccer player was received by the midfielder Aitana Bonmati from FC Barcelona, the best player under the age of 21 is Lamine Yamal, also a player of the “Blaugranas.”
Barcelona’s triumph was completed by the award for the best women’s team, Real Madrid triumphed in the men’s category. However, his representatives were absent in Paris.
Rodri beat Real Madrid’s trio of Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham. This verdict of the more than 100-member group of voters led the delegation of the Spanish giant to boycott the gala evening and stay at home.
No one took the award for the men’s club of the year, Carlo Ancelotti could not receive the award for the coach of the year and Kylian Mbappe did not complete Harry Kane on the podium. Both won the Gerd Müller trophy.
The biggest ovation belonged to Rodri. The 29-year-old defensive midfielder helped Spain to the Euro title, he also lifted the trophy in the Premier League for the fourth season in a row with Manchester City.
However, the player had to come to the stage with crutches, as he recently underwent knee ligament surgery. “I have many things to thank people for. First of all France Football and UEFA for giving me this award.
I would like to thank those who voted for me. Today is a very special day for me and my family and my country.
I would like to thank the most important person in the world to me, my friend Laura. Today is our anniversary and it wouldn’t be like this without her.
Of course also to my family. For the values they taught me and for everything they taught me. I wouldn’t be the man I am without it. I don’t want to forget my team. Friends, I understand that this is a collective game.
Manchester City is an exceptional team, I know I couldn’t have done this without him. For me, it’s the best club in the world, and thanks to that, things happen much easier,” said Rodri and immediately continued with a speech of thanks:
“Thank you to the national team and coach Luis de la Fuente, for believing in me for so long. I have to mention my teammates with whom we won the Euro. It’s not just a prize for me, but also for Spanish football.”
The winner was overcome by emotions and enjoyed a well-deserved and long applause after his speech. Even before his coronation, the media published several articles in which they drew attention to his modesty.
Rodri is said to have lived in a dormitory during his time at Villareal as a student even when he could afford to buy a luxury residence.
Until recently, he is said to have owned a used Opel Corsa, which he bought from an elderly lady after he obtained his driver’s license.
He explained that he doesn’t understand why he should pay so much for a luxury vehicle when he just needs to get from point A to point B. Rodri has no tattoos and no social media profile.
His triumph was to some extent indicated by the actions of Real Madrid. The club’s delegation canceled their trip to the French capital on Monday afternoon and in a statement reported by Spanish newspaper AS, the club said: “If the voting criteria do not identify Vinicius as the winner, then the same criteria should point to Dani Carvajal as the winner.
Since this is not the case, the Ballon d’Or does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid don’t go where they don’t respect him.” Still, Real finished the night with two awards and a share of the third, and with four players in the top six of the final standings.
Real’s absence resonated not only during the ceremony, but also after it. Speaking to the media, former player Clarence Seedorf said: “There seems to be something between Real Madrid and UEFA that doesn’t seem to be resolved.”
Mbappe and Kane took home the Gerd Müller trophy, both finishing last season with 52 goals. “I thank my club Bayern Munich, the whole staff, my teammates for helping me score all the goals. It is an honor to receive this award from club legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge,” said the England captain.
There was no surprise at the presentation of the Raymond Kopa award for the best under-21 player. It was won by Barcelona’s teenage star Yamine Lamal.
The 17-year-old striker became the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history when he scored for Spain in their 2-1 semi-final win over France four days before his 17th birthday.
Emma Hayes was named coach of the year. Last season, she won her seventh title in the Women’s Super League with London’s Chelsea. At this year’s Olympics, she led the US national team to the title.
Emiliano Martinez was on stage at the Paris theater for the second year in a row. He also won the Lev Jašin award for the best goalkeeper because he helped Argentina to triumph at the Copa America and Aston Villa to qualify for the Champions League.
“It’s fantastic, it’s been a dream for me since I started playing. It’s impressive, I really didn’t expect this award the second time,” said Martinez.
Jennifer Hermosová also received a standing ovation. The Spanish soccer player received the Socrates award, which is not awarded for performances on the field. In 2022, the Senegalese Sadio Mane received it because he helped finance the works in his hometown of Bambali.
He contributed to the construction of a school with 17 classes, a hospital, and a new mosque. Vinicius was honored last year for setting up an institute in his hometown of Sao Goncalo to help innovate teaching in Brazilian public schools and fight racism.
Hermosová received the award for her dedication to society and the promotion of a fairer and more inclusive world.
Last year, she got into a big dispute with the then president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, who kissed her on the mouth without her consent after winning the World Cup.
The litigation in this matter is still ongoing. The Spaniard is now fighting for a more prominent space for women not only in football. “Football is the king of sports.
But I’m proud that women are joining more sports and more disciplines,” she said. She continues her career in Mexico and, as she said, feels good there: “They treat me very well. I’m very happy and satisfied.”
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
