Rodri was named the best player of the year.

The winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or (Golden Ball) award is Spanish footballer Rodri. National team player Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who plays for Inter in Italy, ranked 20th.

The Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious awards in the football world, found its owner tonight. Rodri, who plays for Manchester City, surpassed his competitors to win the award. The Spanish midfielder enjoyed championship success in the English Premier League with his club last season, and lifted the trophy with the Spain national team at the 2024 UEFA European Championship (EURO 2024). The Ballon d’Or award was presented by former Liberian footballer and 1995 Ballon d’Or winner George Weah. This is the first time in 64 years that a Spanish footballer has won this award. The 28-year-old player, who tore his cruciate ligaments in a match against Arsenal in September, appeared on stage with crutches after his name was announced at the award ceremony.

Awards were presented

At the event held in Paris, other awards were also presented. The Kopa Trophy for the best young player of the year went to Lamine Yamal. National team player Arda Güler ranked 2nd in this category. Aitana Bonmati was named ‘Player of the Year’ for women for the second consecutive time. The award for the best coach of the year went to Carlo Ancelotti for men and Emma Hayes for women. Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Yachine Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the year. The Gerd Müller Trophy for the top scorer of the season was awarded to Harry Kane. The awards for the best club of the year went to Real Madrid for men and Barcelona for women.

The rankings in the Ballon d’Or voting were as follows:

1. Rodri

2. Vinicius Junior

3. Jude Bellingham

4. Dani Carvajal

5. Erling Haaland

6. Kylian Mbappe

7. Lautaro Martinez

8. Lamine Yamal

9. Toni Kroos

10. Harry Kane

11. Phil Foden

12. Florian Wirtz

13. Dani Olmo

14. Ademola Lookman

15. Nico Williams

16. Granit Xhaka

17. Federico Valverde

18. Emiliano Martinez

19. Martin Odegaard

20. Hakan Çalhanoğlu

21. Bukayo Saka

22. Antonio Rüdiger

23. Ruben Dias

24. William Saliba

25. Cole Palmer

26. Declan Rice

27. Vitinha

28. Alejandro Grimaldo

29. Mats Hummels

29. Artem Dovbyk