Rodri Hernández: First Manchester City Player to Win the 2024 Ballon d'Or After Stellar Season

Rodri Hernández, the talented midfielder for Manchester City and the Spanish national team, has recently made headlines by winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or, a prestigious award for the best footballer of the year. This victory is particularly significant as it marks the first time in 64 years that a Spanish player has claimed this honor, with Luis Suárez being the last in 1960. Rodri's achievement highlights his brilliance and underscores the success of his club and national team during the 2023-2024 season. 

Rodri's Path to Glory

Rodri's journey to becoming the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is rooted in an impressive season filled with accolades. He played a pivotal role in Manchester City's triumphs, contributing to their victories in the 

• Premier League
• FIFA Club World Cup
• UEFA Super Cup

Additionally, Rodri was instrumental in helping Spain secure the UEFA Nations League and the Euro 2024 title. His performance throughout these tournaments showcased his exceptional skills, particularly his passing accuracy of 92.84%, which played a crucial role in Spain's midfield dominance. 

Key Highlights of Rodri's Season

• Club Achievements: Three major titles with Manchester City.
• International Success: UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 victories with Spain.
• Individual Performance: Recognized for his outstanding contributions, including being named the best player of the Euro 2024 tournament despite scoring only one goal.

Rodri's ability to control games from midfield and his tactical intelligence has set him apart from his peers, allowing him to outperform other top contenders like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham for this year's award. 

The Significance of the Ballon d'Or

The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually by France Football, is one of the most coveted individual honors in football. Established in 1956, it recognizes players based on their performances over a season rather than a calendar year. This year's ceremony occurred at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where Rodri was celebrated among other football luminaries. 

Historical Context

Rodri's win is not just a personal triumph but reflects a broader narrative about Spanish football. The last Spanish player to win was Luis Suárez, making Rodri's achievement particularly poignant for fans and historians alike.YearWinnerNationality

Aitana Bonmatí: The Women's Ballon d'Or Winner

While Rodri made headlines, Aitana Bonmatí also shone brightly by winning the Women's Ballon d'Or for the second consecutive year. Her performances for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team were instrumental in her securing this accolade. Bonmatí played a crucial role in Barcelona's success, which included winning all four major trophies available during the season. 

Key Achievements of Aitana Bonmatí

• Secured her second consecutive Ballon d'Or.
• Contributed significantly to Barcelona's Champions League victory.
• Helped Spain win their inaugural Women's Nations League title.

Conclusion

Rodri's victory at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony is a testament to his hard work, skill, and determination on the pitch. Joining an elite group of footballers who have received this honor, he revitalizes Spanish football's legacy on the global stage. With Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí winning their respective awards, this year's ceremony highlighted individual excellence and the strength of Spanish football.

Additional Information

For those interested in exploring more about Rodri and his achievements:

• Rodri wins Ballon d'Or 2024
• Aitana Bonmatí wins Women's Ballon d'Or
• Complete list of Ballon d'Or winners

Rodri's story is still unfolding as he continues to make an impact at both club and international levels, inspiring future generations of footballers.