Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí win the Ballon d'Or for men and women

CNN
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It was a successful evening for Spanish football at the awards ceremony for the Ballon d'Or – the annual football award recognizing the best players in men's and women's football.

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri won his first Ballon d'Or, while Barcelona and Spain star player Aitana Bonmatí won her second consecutive Ballon d'Or Féminin at Monday's presentation.

Spain were also represented at the awards ceremony in Paris for a number of other awards, including the irrepressibly talented teenager Lamine Yamal, who picked up the award for best player under 21.

Rodri had an exceptional 2024 and was crucial to the success of Manchester City and Spain throughout the year.

Manchester City won a fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2024 and Spain were crowned champions at Euro 2024 this summer.

“Incredible evening for me today,” said Rodri after winning the trophy.

“After all the hard work, after all the dark periods in my life, the dark times when I worked so hard to achieve these goals, a light has now come on,” the midfielder said, according to the broadcast's English translator .

Rodri credited his improvement in the final third with winning the prize.

“I was a traditional midfielder, but when I realized that if I wanted to get better, I had to do better in the final third – assists, goals – and that's why I've been present in that sense in terms of goals in the last few years. “increased.”

The 28-year-old also thanked his club and international teammates for their part in his individual success.

Rodri finished ahead of Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, who finished second and third respectively.

Vinícius and Bellingham helped lead Real Madrid to a record-breaking 15th Champions League title in 2024, as well as another La Liga title.

Bonmatí was again crucial to Barcelona Femení's success this year, winning the Ballon d'Or for the second year in a row.

The midfielder helped Barcelona Femení win the treble for the first time – Liga F, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup and Copa de la Reina titles.

“I'm really grateful to be back and win this award again,” Bonmati said after accepting the award, according to the broadcast's English translator.

“But it’s not an individual effort, it’s a group thing. I'm very lucky to play with these great players that I play with every day. Thanks to them, I’m the best player now.”

Hollywood star Natalie Portman was on hand to present Bonmatí with her award.

“Congratulations on your second win. “It’s so extraordinary what you’ve achieved two years in a row now and you’re a hero to many of us out here,” Portman said, before urging viewers to support and watch women’s football.

Bonmatí beat Barcelona Femení teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo for the award. Graham Hansen was second and Paralluelo was third.

“Tonight I won, but it could have been Caroline or Salma,” added Bonmatí.

Barcelona's players continued to collect awards and teenager Yamal took home the Kopa trophy – the award given to the best U21 player in men's football.

Despite being just 17, the tricky winger has been in top form for Barcelona over the last year and also played a key role in Spain's victory at Euro 2024.

Yamal's most recent success came in the historic game between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

In Barcelona's 4-0 win on Saturday, Yamal became the youngest goalscorer in El Clásico history at just 17 years and 106 days.

Men's Ballon d'Or

Rodri, Manchester City and Spain

Women's Ballon d'Or

Aitana Bonmatí, Barcelona and Spain

Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer)

Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England and Kylian Mbappé, PSG/Real Madrid and France

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper)

Emiliano Martínez, Aston Villa and Argentina

Kopa Trophy (Best U21 player)

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain

Socrates Prize (awarded for recognizing humanitarian work)

Jennifer Hermoso, Club Tigres Femenil and Spain

Winner of the Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy (Women's Coach of the Year)

Emma Hayes, Chelsea/USA

Men's Johan Cruyff Trophy Winner (Men's Coach of the Year)

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid

Women's Club of the Year

Barcelona Femení

Men's Club of the Year

real Madrid