Rodri and Bonmatí Triumph at 2023 Ballon d'Or: A Historic Night for Spanish Football
In a historic night for Spanish football, Manchester City midfielder Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, known simply as Rodri, clinched the prestigious men's Ballon d'Or for the 2023-2024 season. This accolade represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in football, awarded annually by France Football. Concurrently, Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona secured her second consecutive victory in the women’s Ballon d'Or, marking the fourth consecutive win for a female player from the club.
Rodri, 28, has long played a pivotal role for Manchester City, contributing significantly to the team's remarkable accomplishments, including winning the last four Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2023, where he sealed the title against Inter with a crucial goal. He also played an instrumental part in Spain's triumph at the European Championship last summer, where he was named the tournament's best player.
Unlike many typical award winners, Rodri’s style is notably less flashy; he is not a prolific goal scorer but rather a central midfielder known for his exceptional passing abilities and astute reading of the game. Often compared to legendary Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, Rodri’s contributions on the pitch have been crucial, significantly influencing Manchester City's tactical setup under Pep Guardiola, and the national team’s successes.
In addition to his playmaking prowess, Rodri has become a crucial goal scorer for his side, netting significant goals throughout the year. Last season, he scored eight goals in the Premier League and contributed to Spain's campaign in the European Championships, including a vital strike in the knockout rounds. His Ballon d'Or win was somewhat unexpected, considering that the favorite was 24-year-old Brazilian striker Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid, who scored significantly for his team, which triumphed in multiple tournaments last season.
Following the announcement of Rodri's win, it was revealed that Real Madrid officials, including coach Carlo Ancelotti, boycotted the ceremony in protest of the outcome, with Ancelotti having received the best coach award but declining to accept it in person. Other players who made it to the podium included Jude Bellingham and Daniel Carvajal of Real Madrid, while Inters striker Lautaro Martínez secured the seventh position, marking the best placement for a player from the Italian league this year.
Rodri's path to the Ballon d'Or reflects a long-overdue recognition of players in his role, often overshadowed by more flamboyant attacking players. Legendary figures like Andrea Pirlo, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi Hernández have previously come close without securing the trophy, and Rodri’s win may represent a shifting perspective towards the central midfield role in football.
Pep Guardiola and Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente have called Rodri the best midfielder in the world, underscoring his importance to the teams he represents. Guardiola’s remarks highlight Rodri's versatility, while de la Fuente expressed the belief that his achievements warranted the Ballon d'Or.
Despite his injury that has sidelined him for the remainder of the season, Rodri's influence on Manchester City during a streak of 74 consecutive matches without a loss is a testament to his quality. His absence was felt profoundly during a recent match against Arsenal, further emphasizing his central role in the team.
On the women's side, Aitana Bonmatí, 26, won the Ballon d'Or for her exceptional performances as an attacking midfielder for Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Her victory marks a reaffirmation of her status as one of the finest talents in world football. Last season, she shone bright, helping Barcelona clinch the Spanish league, the Cup, the Supercopa, and notably, the UEFA Women's Champions League, where she scored six goals in eleven matches, including one in the final against Lyon.
Since the inception of the women’s Ballon d'Or, Barcelona players have dominated the awards; the club's players have consistently made it to the top, indicative of their overall dominance in women’s football.
Bonmatí’s continued excellence, coupled with her historic achievements this past year, including her role in leading Spain to World Cup success and matching Rodri's accomplishment in winning the Champions League and Ballon d'Or in the same season, highlights her unprecedented impact in football.
As the football world celebrated these milestones, the undeniable talent and contributions of players like Rodri and Bonmatí are redefining success and recognition in the sport.
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