The FIFA Ballon d'Or Awards Ceremony 2024 took place on December 17, 2024, at the lavish setting of Doha, Qatar, making headlines with the crowning of Vinícius Júnior as the best men's player of the year. The 24-year-old Brazilian winger, who has left his mark at Real Madrid, clinched this prestigious accolade for the first time, reflecting his stellar performances over the past year.
Securing the top spot, Vinícius garnered 48 points, firmly establishing his prowess after helping his club win both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles. Behind him, Rodri, the 28-year-old midfielder from Manchester City and the Spanish national team, finished second with 43 points. Despite his success, including contributions toward City’s impressive four-consecutive Premier League wins and Spain’s UEFA Euro victory, Rodri's strong campaign fell just short.
Completing the podium was Jude Bellingham, who has also made waves at Real Madrid, achieving third place with 37 points. The 21-year-old midfielder continues to gain recognition as one of the brightest young talents on the international football stage. Notably, Lionel Messi’s name, synonymous with football greatness, fell to sixth place. The 37-year-old Argentine Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami, has won the award eight times and remains a dominant figure even as he ages.
The voting structure for the awards comprised input from national team coaches, captains, and media representatives across the globe, reflecting various perspectives within the football community. The voting breakdown revealed fascinating insights, with Rodri notable for his high ranking among coaches and journalists, demonstrating consistent respect within professional circles.
For example, Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu ranked Rodri at the top of his list, followed by Norway's Erling Haaland and France's Kylian Mbappe. Meanwhile, captain Wataru Endo opted for Bellingham, followed by Vinícius and Rodri. This divergence points to broader debates about player perception and recognition across different nations.
Messi, often regarded as more than just an athlete, showed his continual support for fellow players from his position as captain of the Argentine national team. He voted for his compatriot, Yamal, which reflects his mentoring nature and loyalty to national teammates. The awarded points for voted options by team leaders added depth to the total scoring, showcasing the dynamics of national representation within the awards.
This year's ceremony and the surrounding discussions highlight the significance of recognizing excellence at both the club and international levels—showing how individual performances can intersect with team successes. The awards aim not just to celebrate the few, but also to inspire the many upcoming stars eager to make their mark.
Given the competitive nature of international football, each ceremony serves as both reflection and stepping stone for players and their respective nations. With Vinícius’s historic win inspiring fellow players, it also paves the way for future competitions where youth and talent increasingly play pivotal roles.
Reactions to the awards have varied: fans expressed joy over Vinícius’s ascent, yet some sentiments reflected disappointment for Rodri and others who did not clinch top honors. This multifaceted emotion showcases the passion surrounding football and the significance of individual accolades within the sport.
Overall, the FIFA Ballon d'Or Awards Ceremony continues to encapsulate the spirit of football—celebration, competition, unity, and individual brilliance. It’s not just about who takes home the trophy; it’s also about the stories of struggle and triumph behind each athlete recognized tonight and how they have, and will, continue to shape the beautiful game for years to come.
