Think about scoring the winning goal in a championship game—pretty amazing, right? Now imagine being crowned the best footballer in the world! That’s the honor Spanish stars Rodri and Aitana Bonmati received by winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards in Paris this year. Chosen by 100 journalists from across the globe, these awards are the highest individual prize in football, making it a true dream come true for any player lucky enough to win one.
Rodri: A Season of Dominance
Manchester City’s Rodri, a rock-solid midfielder, had an unbelievable season. He lost only one game while playing for both his club and Spain! Rodri helped Manchester City snag three major titles: the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. And that’s not all—he also played a key role in Spain’s thrilling Euro 2024 victory, defeating England in the final.
Rodri’s incredible achievements made him the first City player to ever win the Ballon d’Or. Now, that’s legendary!
Aitana Bonmati: Queen of the Quadruple
Not to be outdone, Aitana Bonmati made history too! She plays for Barcelona and also captains the Spanish women’s national team. Last season, Bonmati’s Barcelona team did the unthinkable by winning every major trophy they competed for—known as a “quadruple.” She scored a whopping 19 goals for her club and added four more when playing for Spain, helping her team lift the Women’s Nations League title.
Bonmati’s success isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s about teamwork, too. In her acceptance speech, she said, “I always say this is not something that you can do alone. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful players who help me to keep growing into a better player.”
Other Notable Winners
The Ballon d’Or awards night didn’t end with Rodri and Bonmati. Many of football’s brightest stars received recognition, making it a night to remember for fans worldwide.
