In a historic night for football at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Manchester City's midfielder Rodri was crowned the winner, marking him as the first Premier League player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 to claim this prestigious award.

Rodri's exceptional season, highlighted by his pivotal role in Manchester City's quadruple pursuit and Spain's Euro 2024 victory, underscored a shift in how the Ballon d'Or recognizes contributions beyond goal-scoring.

Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona continued her reign in women's football, securing the Women's Ballon d'Or for the second consecutive year.

Her back-to-back wins reflect not just her individual brilliance but also Barcelona's dominance in women's club football, further solidified by their recognition as the Women's Club of the Year.

This year's ceremony was not just about crowning individual brilliance but also celebrated coaching excellence with Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes winning the men's and women's coaching awards, respectively.

Real Madrid's absence, protesting the perceived oversight of Vinícius Júnior, added a layer of controversy, highlighting ongoing debates about how winners are chosen and the award's criteria.

Rodri's victory, coupled with Bonmatí's repeat, underscores an evolving narrative in football where midfield control, tactical intelligence, and overall team contribution are increasingly valued alongside traditional goal-scoring metrics.

This shift might signal a new era for football's most coveted individual prize, where the unsung heroes of the midfield could become more frequent winners, reshaping how we view and celebrate football excellence.