- Safiu Kehinde
Manchester City midfielder, Rodrigo Cascante, has emerged winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or men’s category award.
The Spanish midfielder dethroned Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder, Luka Modric, as he become the world best player at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in France on Monday.
Rodri ranked first in the Ballon d’Or table, beating Real Madrid’s duo, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham who came second and third respectively.
The midfielder’s victory could be attributed to his stellar performance and contributions to Manchester City’s 2023/2024 Premier League campaign where they emerged champion.
He was also influential in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
In other male award categories, Argentina and Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez emerged best goalkeeper of the year winner for second consequtive time as he retained the Yashin Trophy.
Martinez was influential in Aston Villa’s Champions League qualification after helping them to finish fourth in 2023/2024 Premier League campaign.
The best male team coach of the year would go to Real Madrid’s manager, Carlos Ancelloti, who won the Johan Cruyff’s Trophy.
The Italian coach led Real Madrid to 2024 Champions League and La Liga victory.
Though absent at the event, Ancelloti acknowledged the award in a post on his X handle.
Also bagging an award is Barcelona’s 17-year-old wonder kid, Lamine Yamal, who emerged winner of the 2024 Kopa award.
On the other hand, Barcelona Femeni and Spanish player, Aitana Bonmati, won 2024 Ballon d’Or Award which saw her emerged world best female player for the second time in a row.
The best female team manager of the year went to former Chelsea women coach, Emma Hayes.
Prior to her move to the US Women National team, Hayes helped Chelsea lift the 2024 Women Super League trophy.
Her arrival at the US was also marked with stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.