Man City’s Rodri, Barcelona’s Bonmati Win Ballon d’Or

Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmati have won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards as the world’s best footballers in a star-studded ceremony in Paris that was snubbed by Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old Rodri won the prestigious award for the first time on Monday, after helping Manchester City win the Premier League and being a key player in Spain’s European Championship triumph in July.

He succeeded eight-time winner Lionel Messi of Argentina and beat Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior into second place, a result which greatly displeased the Spanish club. Madrid and their players stayed away from the ceremony and vented their feelings on social media.

Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo — winners of the prestigious individual award a combined 13 times — were in the running for this year’s prize for the first time since 2003.

Rodri was overcome with emotions when his name was read out by former winner George Weah, putting his hands over his face.

“Incredible night for me,” said Rodri, who is out for the season with injury and arrived on crutches to the ceremony. “One of my key things is I always try to improve every game.”

Known as a hard-working and unselfish player despite his abilities, Rodri was quick to deflect praise to others.

“I just want to say thank you again to the people who recognise my value in the game,” he said. “When I was a kid I never thought of winning the Ballon d’Or, but in the last years I’ve been playing the highest level.”

While Rodri is not a flamboyant player or a prolific scorer like Messi and Ronaldo, he had a huge influence on City’s team with his ability to protect the defence and distribute passes cleanly from the back.

“I try to be a leader and try to improve every day from the best,” Rodri said.

City looked unbeatable at times with him in the side, while his excellent technical ability enabled him to slot smoothly into the quick-passing style made so effective by Spain at Euro 2024. He is the first City player to win the award.

The 26-year-old Bonmati retained her award after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, the Spanish Cup and the Champions League.

Bonmati joined Barca teammate Alexia Putellas in winning two titles since the women’s trophy was first awarded in 2018. She beat her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway and Salma Paralluelo of Spain as Barcelona completed a 1-2-3 on the awards night.

“It’s a pleasure to be here again,” said Bonmati. “Thanks to my teammates and the clubs who make me a better football player every year.”

Bonmati scored 19 goals for the second straight season for Barca and this year has netted five in five games for Spain, taking her international tally to 26.

On a good night for Spain and Barca players, teen prodigy Lamine Yamal — the youngest-ever scorer at a European Championship — won the Kopa award for best under-21 player and Barca won the best women’s team award.

- News Agencies, Al Jazeera