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

**Paris, France:** Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí were crowned the world’s best soccer players at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris on Monday.

Rodri, 28, received the prestigious men’s award for the first time, cementing his status as a footballing titan. His exceptional performance in Manchester City’s Premier League victory and crucial role in Spain’s European Championship triumph solidified his claim to the title. He dethroned eight-time winner Lionel Messi of Argentina to become the new holder of the coveted trophy.

Bonmatí, 26, successfully defended her title in the women’s category. The Barcelona star’s remarkable season, marked by victories in the Spanish league, cup, and Champions League, ensured her continued reign. Bonmatí joins her teammate Alexia Putellas as a two-time Ballon d’Or winner since the award’s inception for women in 2018. Barcelona completed a clean sweep of the top three spots, with Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway and Salma Paralluelo of Spain rounding out the podium.

Despite being a finalist, Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinícius Júnior was absent from the ceremony in central Paris. Meanwhile, Rodri arrived on crutches, having suffered an ACL injury while playing for City last month and facing a season-ending absence.

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