2024 Ballon d'Or Recap - Prominent Recipients and Significant Highlights
The 2024 Ballon d'Or Awards Light Up Paris
Let's dive into the buzzing night of October 28, 2024, as the thematic décor of the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris was transformed for the 68th edition of the prestigious awards! Man City's Rodri swept the big prize!
The Rulebook for the Crown Jewel
Unveiling the mystery, let me break it down for you! A journalist pool representing the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries weighs in on the Victor Ludorum contenders. They select their top ten players from a 30-player shortlist, created by the staff of France Football and L'Équipe. A points system decides the pecking order – the cherry on top? The editor-in-chief of France Football stepping in as the tiebreaker, if needed.
The Kopa, Yashin, and Johan Cruyff Trophies follow suit, with veteran journalists in the driver's seat, and a smattering of additional votes. In a nutshell, this is a media-driven affair.
Wager on the Carabao Cup!
A Toast to the Men's Winners
Men's Ballon d'Or – Ratifying the King:Rodri stole the spotlight in the best possible way after an incredible season. Snagging both the Premier League trophy with Man City and the Euro 2024 title with Spain, Rodri solidified his stature with 63 matches under his belt, scoring 12 goals and serving up 15 assists as a defensive midfielder.
His deeper role on the pitch didn't dim his influence: Man City averaged 2.7 goals per game while conceding a mere 0.9 when he was in the mix. The story changed to 1.4 goals scored and 1.3 goals conceded per game in his absence.
Making History Ball by Ball: Ronwen Williams
South Africa's Ronwen Williams - iconic for his penalty-saving heroics during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and an unforgettable club season - fell short of bagging the Yashin Trophy. Despite saving four penalties in the quarter-finals match against Cape Verde and maintaining a clean sheet in 35 out of his 59 matches, Emi Martínez edged him out. Williams became the first goalkeeper ever to be nominated for the award while guarding the net for an African club.
A Stand Against the Status Quo
Real Madrid's delegation staged a boycott at the awards in protest of one of their own not leaving with the top prize.
Picking Brains: James O'ConnorJames O'Connor holds the UEFA A coaching licence and dives deep into the tactical nuances of the PSL and English Premier League. He has been employed by several clubs, offering analysis to the sport's decision-makers.
- Despite not winning the Men's Ballon d'Or, South Africa's Ronwen Williams made history as the first goalkeeper ever to be nominated for the award while guarding the net for an African club.
- In a show of protest, Real Madrid's delegation staged a boycott at the awards, as one of their own did not leave with the top prize.
- The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, Rodri, not only triumphed in the Premier League with Man City but also led Spain to victory in the Euro 2024 tournament, solidifying his status with 63 matches played, 12 goals scored, and 15 assists as a defensive midfielder.
