2024 Ballon d'Or Ceremony: Celebrating the Pinnacle of Football Talent

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony held in Paris was a remarkable event that showcased the pinnacle of football excellence. With a range of prestigious awards presented, the evening honored the outstanding achievements of players, coaches, and teams from around the world. This year's ceremony not only highlighted individual brilliance but also celebrated the collective efforts that define success in football. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the winners across all categories.

Award Winners

Men's Ballon d'Or

Winner: Rodri In a historic moment for football, Rodri was awarded the men's Ballon d'Or, becoming the first midfielder to achieve this honor since Luka Modric in 2018. The 28-year-old played a crucial role in Manchester City’s success, helping the club secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title. Rodri's influence extended beyond club football; he was instrumental in Spain’s triumph at the 2024 European Championships, ending a 12-year drought for the national team in major tournaments. His exceptional skills as a defensive anchor, combined with his ability to contribute offensively, set him apart as a deserving winner.

Women's Ballon d'Or

Winner: Aitana Bonmati Aitana Bonmati made history by winning the Women's Ballon d'Or for the second consecutive year, further solidifying her status among the elite players in women's football. Her performances were pivotal in Barcelona's dominant season, which included a fifth consecutive Liga F title and a UEFA Women’s Champions League victory. Bonmati's leadership on the pitch was complemented by her key contributions to Spain's successful World Cup campaign in 2023, making her a central figure in both club and international success.

Men's Coach of the Year

Winner: Carlo Ancelotti Carlo Ancelotti received the Men's Coach of the Year award, recognizing his exceptional leadership at Real Madrid. Under his guidance, the team clinched the La Liga title and added a Champions League trophy to their accolades, marking Ancelotti’s third European title with the club. His tactical acumen and ability to manage a star-studded squad, which included the likes of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, were instrumental in Real Madrid's successful season.

Women's Coach of the Year

Winner: Emma Hayes Emma Hayes was honored as the Women's Coach of the Year after leading the US Women’s National Team to a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Prior to her role with the national team, she had already established herself as a top manager in English football, guiding Chelsea to five consecutive Women's Super League titles. Hayes’ strategic vision and commitment to player development have made her one of the most respected figures in women’s football.

Yashin Trophy

Winner: Emiliano Martinez Emiliano Martinez claimed the Yashin Trophy for the second year in a row, a testament to his remarkable abilities as a goalkeeper. His outstanding performances for Aston Villa not only helped the club achieve a Champions League qualification but also showcased his critical role in Argentina's success at the 2024 Copa America. Martinez’s heroics, particularly in penalty shootouts, were pivotal in securing victory for La Albiceleste.

Gerd Muller Trophy

Winners: Harry Kane & Kylian Mbappe In an unprecedented tie, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe were awarded the Gerd Muller Trophy, recognizing their shared achievement as top goalscorers. Both players netted an impressive 52 goals across all competitions, highlighting their incredible scoring consistency. Kane’s record-breaking season at Bayern Munich and Mbappe’s continued dominance in Paris were standout performances that captivated fans worldwide.

Kopa Trophy

Winner: Lamine Yamal Lamine Yamal, at just 17 years old, was awarded the Kopa Trophy, recognizing him as the best under-21 talent in the world. His dynamic performances for Barcelona and the Spanish national team made him a standout player. Yamal's impact at such a young age is a clear indicator of his bright future in the sport.

Socrates Award

Winner: Jennifer Hermoso Jennifer Hermoso accepted the Socrates Award for her advocacy in football and humanitarian contributions. Following her experience with former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, Hermoso became a powerful voice for change, championing player safety and equality in women’s football. Her resilience and commitment to creating a respectful environment have inspired many within the sport.

Men's Team of the Year

Winner: Real Madrid Real Madrid was celebrated as the Men's Team of the Year, despite their absence at the ceremony due to a boycott in solidarity with Vinicius Junior. The team’s success in securing yet another La Liga title and a historic 15th Champions League title was a testament to their dominance in European football. Their blend of experience and youthful talent solidified their status as one of the world’s elite clubs.

Women's Team of the Year

Winner: Barcelona Barcelona’s women’s team was recognized as the Women's Team of the Year after an outstanding season. They secured their fifth consecutive Liga F title and triumphed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, showcasing their dominance in women’s football. The team's blend of tactical brilliance and skill, led by stars like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, set a new standard for excellence in the sport.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony was a night to remember, celebrating not only the exceptional talents of individual players and coaches but also the collective achievements of teams. As the footballing community came together to honor these remarkable figures, it became clear that the sport continues to evolve, driven by emerging talents and legendary players alike. This event served as a powerful reminder of the unity and passion that football brings, inspiring fans and aspiring athletes around the world. As we look forward to the future, the legacies established this year will undoubtedly shape the next generation of football stars.