By William Loughnan, Year 12
Rodri has been awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or, capping a phenomenal season with Manchester City and Spain’s national team. It was a well-deserved accolade given his immense contribution to City’s success and leadership that saw Spain win Euro 2024 for which he was also named Player of the Tournament. Rodri created 13 assists and scored nine goals across all competitions with City last season. His influence was huge, creating plays from the heart of midfield, displaying his tactical flexibility and adaptability. In the defensive sense, he topped the league stats in interceptions and duels won, perfectly representing the role of a 6.
Rodri’s outstanding performance in the European Championship was certainly the most important factor in his victory of the Ballon d’Or. At the heart of Spain’s operation, he controlled the middle of the park with authority and class composure as the country won its first major tournament in over ten years. For his leadership, versatility, and near faultless performance at critical moments, he won not only individual awards but also collective ones that finally consolidated his right to the Ballon d’Or. This award also acknowledges Rodri’s immense work rate and physical resilience, which allowed him to participate in almost every game for City and be a reliable backbone in Pep Guardiola’s tactical setups. His discipline, presence, and consistent performances meant that Manchester City was stable in both Premier League and Champions League competitions, which helped the team maintain its success from the year before, although not quite a treble.
However, not every football enthusiast is on board with Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win. Many believe it belonged to Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. Vinícius had a superb season with 26 goals and 12 assists, leading Real Madrid to a thrilling Champions League win. He is known for his very explosive pace, creativity, and finishing ability, having taken charge of Real Madrid’s left-wing position, creating countless scoring opportunities as he constantly challenges the defenders with his trademark dribbles and skillful footwork, reminiscent of Neymar. Key contributions in the Champions League knockout stages, along with being instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, made him a strong candidate for this award.
Still only 24 years old, Vinícius symbolises a new wave of attacking talent. His ability to score important goals and change the outcome of games has propelled him in no time as one of the most exciting players to watch in football. Fans believe that one Ballon d’Or, in recognition of Vinícius’s contribution to Real Madrid’s European triumph and his influence on the game in general, was deserved for the youngster this year. His youth, combined with his brilliant individual performances, will make him a compelling choice in the eyes of fans and analysts for the years to come — despite his loss this year.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or victory, however, underlines that greatness in football has many sides to it. Where Vinícius blew away fans and analysts with individual brilliance, Rodri had tactical mastery, reliability, and versatility. The debates between these two stars may last a long while, however, Rodri’s achievement of winning the Ballon d’Or stands for his consistency and important contribution, as contested as it may be. Nevertheless, the exciting performances of Vinícius means that there is a fine promise of a bright future that will keep him, no doubt, running for a future Ballon d’Or.
