Wed Oct 30 02:27:30 UTC 2024: ## Spanish Stars Shine as Rodri and Bonmatí Win Ballon d’Or Awards

**PARIS** – Spain dominated the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards on Monday, with midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí taking home the men’s and women’s awards for the world’s best soccer players.

Rodri, the 28-year-old Manchester City star, received the award for the first time after a stellar season that saw him lead his club to the Premier League title and play a key role in Spain’s European Championship victory. His performance earned him the title over eight-time winner Lionel Messi, who was absent from the shortlist for the first time since 2003.

Bonmatí, 26, successfully defended her title after another dominant year with Barcelona. The midfielder helped the club win the Spanish league, the Spanish cup, and the Champions League, showcasing her consistent brilliance on the field.

While Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior was considered a favorite for the men’s award, he made a surprising decision to skip the ceremony in Paris. His Real Madrid teammates, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, were also nominated but did not attend the gala.

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s coach, did receive the award for coach of the year. However, the absence of the Madrid players sparked speculation about the team’s decision to not attend the ceremony.

Both Rodri and Bonmatí emphasized the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement in their acceptance speeches. Rodri, currently recovering from an ACL injury, highlighted his commitment to leadership and growth.

The Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football magazine, is voted on by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings. Each journalist selects 10 players in ranked order, with points attributed to each position. The winner is the player who receives the most points.

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