By Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí were named the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or winners on Monday, recognizing them as the world’s best soccer players for the past season. However, the star-studded ceremony in Paris was overshadowed by Real Madrid’s apparent protest, as the club and its players boycotted the event.
Manchester City’s Rodri, 28, claimed the prestigious award for the first time after playing a pivotal role in his club’s Premier League triumph and Spain’s European Championship victory. He beat Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior into second place, a result that greatly displeased the Spanish giants.
Bonmatí, 26, retained her title after helping Barcelona secure a historic treble, winning the Spanish league, the Spanish cup, and the Champions League. She joined teammate Alexia Putellas in winning the award twice since its inception in 2018, leading a Barcelona 1-2-3 with Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo finishing second and third, respectively.
Despite attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham placing third, Dani Carvajal finishing fourth, and coach Carlo Ancelotti winning the coach of the year award, no one from Real Madrid attended the gala. The club’s players took to social media to express their frustration, with Vinícius writing, “I’ll do it 10x if needed. They are not ready.”
Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga also voiced his disapproval, calling the vote “football politics” and posting a supportive message for Vinícius on X (formerly Twitter). Former Madrid star Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, shared a similar sentiment on Instagram.
Rodri, known for his unselfish play and defensive prowess, was quick to deflect praise, thanking those who recognized his value in the game. “When I was a kid I never thought of winning the Ballon d’Or, but in the last years I’ve been playing the highest level,” he said.
Bonmatí expressed her gratitude for the recognition, attributing her success to her teammates and clubs. “Thanks to my teammates and the clubs who make me a better football player every year,” she said upon receiving the award from Oscar winner Natalie Portman.
The Ballon d’Or, created by France Football magazine, has been awarded since 1956 for men and 2018 for women. It is voted for by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings, with each journalist selecting 10 players in ranked order.
In other awards, Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal won the Kopa award for best Under-21 player, while the Catalan club also claimed the best women’s team award. Absent Real Madrid was voted the best men’s team.
Emiliano Martínez retained the Lev Yashin award for best goalkeeper, while Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes won the Johan Cruyff award for best men’s and women’s coach, respectively. Spain forward Jenni Hermoso, who faced sexism in Spanish soccer after being kissed on the lips by former federation president Luis Rubiales, collected the Socrates award for humanitarian work.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Germany great Franz Beckenbauer, with a special award given to his wife and son.
