Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri bagged the Ballon d’Or 2024 title, beating Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to the highest podium spot. The identify of the winner was leaked on social media hours earlier than the official announcement was made in a glittering ceremony in France, prompting an intense debate on social media. After Real Madrid determined to not journey to Paris, making their stance clear to boycott the occasion, it grew to become clear that the leaks have been, actually, right.
As Rodri was formally named the winner of the boys’s Ballon d’Or 2024, a bit of followers expressed their disappointment, suggesting the Brazilian Vinicius ought to’ve bagged the prized particular person honour. But, was Vinicius really robbed of the award?
How is the Ballon d’Or winner determined?
According to UEFA, the Ballon d’Or honour is awarded yearly by a global jury of specialized journalists, with one consultant per nation, from the highest 100 within the newest FIFA rankings (earlier than the lists are printed) for males and the highest 50 for ladies.
Each juror selects ten gamers in descending order of advantage from a listing of 30 established by the editorial employees of France Football, members of the editorial employees of L’Equipe, the perfect juror from the earlier version – Costa Rica for the boys’s Ballon d’Or, South Africa for the ladies’s Ballon d’Or – and UEFA ambassadors Luis Figo for the boys’s trophy and Nadine Kessler for the ladies’s trophy.
The ten chosen gamers are awarded 15, 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 level respectively. The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the participant with the very best variety of factors.
On what foundation do journalists vote?
While casting votes, a participant’s particular person performances take first precedence. The participant’s decisive contributions and character in high video games take precedent whereas staff performances, achievements, class and fairplay come subsequent into consideration.
1) Individual performances, decisive and spectacular character
2) Team performances and achievements
3) Class and honest play
Was Rodri the deserved Ballon d’Or winner?
Rodri was arguably Manchester City’s most essential participant within the 2023-24 season, serving to the staff win its 4th consecutive league title. He was additionally named UEFA Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament as Spain clinched the title by beating England within the remaining.
The Spaniard is broadly thought of as the perfect No. 6 (defensive midfielder) within the sport at current, with Manchester City barely shedding a sport when was within the staff’s beginning XI. Rodri was additionally a pivotal participant for Spain of their Euro 2024 marketing campaign, offering the required stability between assault and defence that made La Roja worthy champions.
As for Vinicius, whereas his contributions for Real Madrid within the Champions League and Spanish La Liga, he wasn’t as influential for Brazil. Controversies and chatter round his character and conduct did not do his picture a favour. Hence, it was Rodri who emerged triumphant within the Ballon d’Or race.
