The prestigious 68th Ballon d’Or awards took center stage at the magnificent Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 29, where a star-studded cast of footballing royalty gathered to celebrate the game’s finest.
This year’s ceremony was notably dominated by Spanish football, as Rodri and Aitana Bonmati took home the coveted titles of best player in men’s and women’s football, respectively. Rodri celebrated his first Ballon d’Or victory, while Bonmati clinched the award for the second year running, marking a remarkable feat where a Barcelona player has now emerged victorious for the fourth straight year in the women’s category.
The Spanish national team further showcased their prowess with the remarkable Lamine Yamal winning the Kopa Trophy, making history as the youngest recipient of this honor at just 17 years of age. Additionally, Real Madrid and Barcelona were recognized as the best men’s and women’s clubs in football, with Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes receiving the prestigious Johan Cruyff Trophy for their contributions.
However, the ceremony was not without its controversies. Just hours before the event, Real Madrid declared a boycott after being informed that their star forward Vinicius Jr. would miss out on the award in favor of ’s Rodri. Despite being award winners alongside Kylian Mbappe, no representatives from the Los Blancos were present to accept their honors, overshadowing their achievements on the night.
In a further notable highlight, Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez made history by securing the Yachine Trophy for best goalkeeper, an accolade he has now bagged back-to-back, solidifying his status among the elite.
Below, we present the full list of winners from the illustrious 68th Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, celebrating the remarkable talents that grace the world of football
