Rodri and Aitana Bonmati Shine at the Ballon d’Or Ceremony
In a historic night for Spanish football, midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmati were crowned the winners of the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards, respectively. This prestigious accolade recognizes the world’s best soccer players, and both athletes showcased their exceptional talent and contributions to their teams over the past year.
Rodri’s Triumph
Rodri, the 28-year-old Manchester City midfielder, claimed the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career. His remarkable performances were pivotal in Manchester City’s successful campaign, where they clinched the Premier League title. Additionally, Rodri played a crucial role in Spain’s victory at the European Championship, further solidifying his status as one of the top players in the game.
When his name was announced by former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah, Rodri was visibly overwhelmed, covering his face in disbelief. "Incredible night for me," he expressed, despite arriving at the ceremony on crutches due to an ACL injury that has sidelined him for the season. His heartfelt gratitude was evident as he thanked those who recognized his contributions to the sport. "When I was a kid, I never thought of winning the Ballon d’Or, but in the last years, I’ve been playing at the highest level," he reflected.
Aitana Bonmati’s Back-to-Back Victory
On the women’s side, 26-year-old Aitana Bonmati retained her Ballon d’Or title after a stellar season with FC Barcelona. Her contributions were instrumental in Barcelona’s triumphs in the Spanish league, the Spanish cup, and the UEFA Champions League. Bonmati’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as she joins her teammate Alexia Putellas in winning the award twice since its inception in 2018.
Expressing her joy at the ceremony, Bonmati said, "It’s a pleasure to be here again. Thanks to my teammates and the clubs who make me a better football player every year." Her recognition as the best female player highlights not only her individual skill but also the strength of the Barcelona women’s team, which dominated the voting with a 1-2-3 finish, including her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo.
The Absence of Real Madrid Stars
While the night celebrated Spanish talent, it was notable that Real Madrid, a club often associated with individual accolades, had no representatives at the gala. Despite Vinicius Junior being a favorite, Jude Bellingham finished third in the voting, and Dani Carvajal placed fourth. Coach Carlo Ancelotti did win the Coach of the Year award, but the absence of the club’s stars left a void at the event.
Erling Haaland’s Choice
Another notable absence was Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who opted to celebrate a friend’s success in Sweden rather than attend the ceremony. Haaland, who scored an impressive 27 goals in 31 matches last season, finished as the runner-up to Lionel Messi, who claimed his eighth Ballon d’Or. Haaland’s friendship with Erik Botheim, who recently won the league with Malmö, highlights the personal connections that often transcend the competitive nature of football.
A New Era in Football Awards
This year’s Ballon d’Or marked a significant shift in the landscape of football awards, as neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo—winners of the award a combined 13 times—were in contention. This absence signified a new era in football, where fresh talent is emerging to take center stage.
The Legacy of the Ballon d’Or
Established by France Football magazine in 1956 for men and in 2018 for women, the Ballon d’Or is voted on by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings. This year’s ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the collective success of teams, with Barcelona winning the best women’s team award and Real Madrid being recognized as the best men’s team.
Additional Awards and Recognitions
The night was filled with accolades beyond the Ballon d’Or. Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, who made headlines as the youngest-ever scorer at a European Championship, won the Kopa award for the best U21 player. The Gerd Müller award for most goals was shared between Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, while Emiliano Martinez retained the Lev Yashin award for best goalkeeper. Emma Hayes was honored with the Johan Cruyff award for best women’s coach, and Jenni Hermoso received the Socrates award for her humanitarian efforts.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony was a celebration of talent, resilience, and the evolving landscape of football, showcasing the bright future of the sport through the achievements of its players.