The 2024 Ballon d’Or gala in Paris on Monday saw Lamine Yamal of Barcelona crowned the best young player in the game last season. Spain completed a treble of the top prizes, as Rodri took home the Ballon d’Or itself, while Aitana Bonmati retained the Ballon d’Or Feminin.
Lamine Yamal Crowned as Top Young Player
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal seized the 2024 Kopa Trophy on Monday at the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris, earning recognition as the best Under-21 player in the world. The young talent from Spain had a stellar night, becoming the sixth recipient of this prestigious award. Yamal’s victory was part of a Spanish sweep at the ceremony, with Rodri and Aitana Bonmati also taking top honors.
Yamal outperformed competitors like Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi, Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. The Barcelona star even placed eighth in the senior Ballon d’Or ranking. His award was presented by Ruud Gullit, the 1987 Ballon d’Or winner, making it a memorable moment for the young football prodigy.
Rodri Wins the Ballon d’Or
Manchester City’s Rodri was named the world’s best men’s footballer, surpassing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal. His exceptional season with both club and country solidified his status as the premier player on the planet.
Aitana Bonmati Retains Ballon d’Or Feminin
In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati defended her title as the No. 1 player. Bonmati’s outstanding performances for Barcelona and Spain ensured her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Feminin, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects her consistency and excellence on the field.
Ancelotti and Hayes Secure Coaching Awards
Carlo Ancelotti earned the Men’s Coach of the Year award for his UEFA Champions League and La Liga victories with Real Madrid. Though he and the Madrid team were absent from the ceremony, Didier Drogba, the host and Ancelotti’s former player at Chelsea, remarked, “I’m disappointed not to see my former coach tonight.”
Emma Hayes, recognized as the Women’s Coach of the Year, also did not attend the gala. Despite her recent Olympic triumph with the USA coming too late to qualify for this award, Hayes ended her Chelsea career in style, clinching her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title.
Real Madrid and Barcelona Recognized as Top Clubs
Barcelona’s dominance extended as they were named Women’s Club of the Year, celebrating their quadruple success in Liga F, UEFA Women’s Champions League, Copa de la Reina, and Supercopa. Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his pride, saying, “We are really honoured. Thanks to all the people at the club, especially the players, who are working to make Barcelona the best women’s football team in the world. This award is special. We are really proud.”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid took home the Men’s Club of the Year award after winning La Liga and the Champions League. Although the Madrid squad did not attend, reportedly due to Vinicius Junior not winning the Ballon d’Or, Drogba congratulated the team on their achievements.
Kane and Mbappe Share the Muller Trophy
Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Muller Trophy, awarded to the top goalscorer across all competitions. Both players scored 52 goals, with Kane present to accept the trophy. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you to my club, FC Bayern Munich, to all my staff, all my team-mates who helped me achieve the goals I scored last season. It’s an honour to take this award from a club legend like Gerd Muller.”
When Drogba asked what aspect of his game he would like to improve, Kane humorously replied, “Good question. Maybe my speed. But maybe my age won’t help me with that one!”
Emiliano Martinez Retains Yashin Trophy
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez retained the Lev Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world. Martinez, who won the Copa America in 2024, edged out fellow contenders Unai Simon, Mike Maignan, Andriy Lunin, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Argentine, known for his mental tactics on the field, explained his perspective: “I don’t see myself as the best. There’s so many good goalies I see today.”
He added, “When you’re on the pitch, you behave the way you want to win the game. Off the pitch, I’m a husband, a brother, a son. On the pitch, I want to do everything I can to help my national team and my club. At Aston Villa, we’re doing something amazing in the club moving forward.”
