Rodri wins Ballon d’Or as Man City star becomes first Premier League winner since Cristiano Ronaldo – but Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid snub glitzy bash

Rodri capped a fine season by winning football’s ultimate individual prize.

At a glitzy award do in Paris, in front of his peers – some of them at least – the Manchester City and Spain midfielder won the Ballon d’Or.

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Many had expected Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to win, but he and his Real Madrid teammates opted to stay away from the do.

The award is for the previous season, not the previous year, and should go to the best player during that specific period, not the best player in the world.

Rodri, who ended the 2023/24 season as a Euro 2024 winner with Spain, was a worthy winner.

The 28-year-old beats Vinicius Jr, who came second and Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham to the prize.

On winning the award, an emotional Rodri said: “Incredible night for me. Good evening everybody, I have so many things to thank people for.

“First of all thanks to France Football and UEFA for giving me this award and I’d like to thank for all those who voted for me, who put their trust in me.

“Today’s a very special day, not just for me, but for my family and my country and I’d like to thank the most important person in the world for me, my girlfriend. Today’s our anniversary and without here things wouldn’t have been the same. Thank you.

“Thank you to my family for the values they have taught me… they taught me the right steps to take for helping me become the man I am.”

And his win marks a first for a Premier League based player since 2008 when a 23-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo won it thanks to his blistering season that brought 42 goals across all competitions and saw 77 of the 96 journalists vote for him.

Not as many big names in the game were present at the Theatre du Chatelet with Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Andriy Lunin and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti all spending the night in the Spanish capital instead.

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The Madrid winger’s reported snub comes just days after he reportedly taunted Barcelona midfielder Gavi over the award.

According to Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, Gavi held up four fingers in front of Vinicius to remind him of the scoreline in Saturday’s El Clasico.

Vinicius reportedly responded: “Yes, yes, but on Monday I’m going for the Ballon d’Or.”

The reason for the boycott hasn’t been made clear, however, Vinicius Jr’s actions have been met with some criticism.

“Ok, Vini,” Spanish football expert Guillem Balague wrote on X.

“You haven’t won, but you should show some respect for the winner, the biggest sign of sportsmanship.

“Nobody from Real Madrid travelling to Paris today for the Ballon d’Or ceremony.”

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The winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or was won by Barcelona and Spain superstar Aitana Bonmati, who wins it for a second year running.

Other awards were handed out on the night with England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane sharing the Gerd Muller Trophy, an award which recognises the best striker in the game, with Mbappe.

As well as Kane, there was more success for English nationals with Emma Hayes winning the best women’s coach award, the first of its kind. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti won the men’s coach award.

There was more Premier League success with the Yachine Trophy as Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who helped Argentina to Copa America glory in the summer, claiming the prize for a second year running.

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The Kopa Trophy, an award for the best young player was won by Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona were named as the Women’s Club of the Year, whilst Real Madrid took the title of Men’s Club of the Year.