By Nurudeen Obalola
Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has won the 2024 Ballon d’Or award for the best men’s player in the world.
Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati won the women’s Ballon d’Or, while Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman finished 14th in the men’s ranking.
Lookman is the only African among the top 30 nominees, following in the footsteps of his international teammate Victor Osimhen, who placed eighth last year.
Rodri, who inspired Spain to the European Championship title in July barely six weeks after wining the English Premier League title with Manchester City, won the prestigious prize ahead of Real Madrid pair Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
The award was presented to the 28-year-old midfielder by 1995 Ballon d’Or winner and former Liberian President George Weah at the ceremony in Paris on Monday night.
Spain and Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal came fourth, with Norway and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland completing the top five.
Bonmati claimed the prize for the second consecutive year after winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Barcelona.
Her Barcelona teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo were second and third respectively.
Spain and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, 17, won the Kepa Trophy for the best young player in the world, ahead of Real Madrid’s <span;>Arda Guler, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester City’s Savinho, and Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí
Argentina and Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez retained the Yachine Trophy for the best goalkeeper after winning the 2024 Copa America title with his country.
There were reports that the Real Madrid contingent snubbed the award because none of their players was going to win, but their manager Carlo Ancelotti clinched the Johan Cryuff Trophy for best men’s coach and posted his appreciation on X.
