Manchester City midfielder Rodri has claimed the prestigious men’s Ballon d’Or award, while Real Madrid opted to boycott the ceremony in Paris, despite being named the men’s club of the year.
Rodri triumphed over Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham, earning the top honour from a panel of 100 voters.
This decision to snub Vinicius, which was leaked on Monday morning, prompted the Spanish club's delegation to remain absent from the event, according to reports in Spain.
Consequently, no representatives were present to accept the men’s club of the year award, and manager Carlo Ancelotti missed the opportunity to receive the men’s coach of the year accolade too.
Additionally, forward Kylian Mbappe was not in attendance to collect the Gerd Muller trophy alongside England captain Harry Kane - with the pair both finishing on 44 goals last season.
Despite the absence of his rivals, Rodri celebrated a significant personal achievement, capping a remarkable year in which he played a key role throughout Spain’s Euro 2024 success in Germany and helped Manchester City secure their fourth consecutive English Premier League title.
"I have so many things to thank people for," Rodri said as he asked to give his winners speech in Spanish. "First of all to France Football and to UEFA for giving me this award. I would like to thank those who voted for me and put their trust in me. Today is a very special day for me and for my family, my country.
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“I would like to thank the most important person in the world for me, my girlfriend Laura. Today is our anniversary and without her things wouldn’t have been the same. Thank you.
“I don’t want to forget my team-mates, I understand it is a group game. Manchester City is so special, I know I wouldn’t make this without you. For me it is the best club in the world, and thanks to them things happen much easier.
“The national team and Luis (de la Fuente, coach), for trusting me for so long, I have to mention my team-mates with whom we won the Euros. This is not just for me but for Spanish football.”
"I'd like to thank my colleagues, my teammates at Aston Villa," said the 32-year-old Argentine.
"They all know how demanding I am. I come from a very humble place and this is something that makes me want to do better and improve. It is the group effort that makes things happen."
There was little surprise when the Kopa Trophy – awarded to the best male player under the age of 21 – went to Barcelona’s teenage star Yamine Lamal.
The forward became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the European Championships when, four days shy of his 17th birthday, he scored for Spain in their 2-1 semi-final win over France, before going on to lift the trophy.
