- The 2024 Ballon d’Or award joins a list of previous controversial decisions after Rodri was named the winner.
- The Manchester City midfielder edged out Vinicius Junior, who was widely expected to win until Monday afternoon.
- TRENDYNEWS.co.ke explores the specific criteria voters considered and why many ultimately selected Rodri as the year’s best player.
There was an intense online reaction on Monday afternoon following the news that, despite months of speculation, Vinicius Junior would not claim the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid withdrew its sizable delegation and elaborate plans to cover the Paris ceremony, signaling that the Golden Ball would not be returning to the Bernabeu.
Rodri speaks after winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. Photo by Franck Fife. Source: Getty ImagesDid Rodri truly deserve the Ballon d’Or? True to the signs, an injured and visibly emotional Rodri was named the award winner before an audience of distinguished guests at the Théâtre du Châtelet. Following Vinicius Junior’s exclusion, some fans have labeled the award a “farce” and “robbery,” among other criticisms.
FOOTBALL POLITICS ❌
My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X3yAH1Sl0p
— Eduardo Camavinga (@Camavinga) October 28, 2024
How Ballon d’Or Winners Are Voted For
The decision has reignited discussions around what criteria voters actually consider. A panel of 100 journalists from FIFA’s top 100 ranked nations select their top 10 players from a list of 30 nominees.
According to UEFA’s website, the players are awarded points in the following order: 15, 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. The points are then totaled, with the player accumulating the most points claiming the award.
How Ballon d’Or Winners Are Chosen
Since it is based on voting, the process is inherently subjective. A journalist from a particular country could easily overlook popular favorites in favor of a compatriot.
However, if the process were objective, what criteria should be prioritized? TUKO.co.ke breaks down the criteria and examines how Rodri’s season aligns with them.
Rodri. Ballon d’Or winner, 2024. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IL988Pl9cP
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 28, 2024
Individual Performance in the Previous Season
Since the Ballon d’Or is awarded based on seasonal achievements, Rodri’s 2023/2024 performance was evaluated against his competitors.
Remarkably, Rodri hasn’t experienced a Premier League loss since February 2023.
Whenever he was unavailable, Pep Guardiola’s team noticeably struggled, highlighting his importance to the squad as they secured their historic fourth title. Following this, he took his talents to Germany, delivering similarly high-caliber performances with Spain and clinching both the championship and the Euro’s Most Valuable Player award.
The 28-year-old also contributed an impressive 12 goals and 15 assists—a standout achievement for a defensive midfielder.
Every @premierleague goal from Rodri’s immense 2023/24 season! 🎯⭐️ pic.twitter.com/ir8g9tRVRd
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 28, 2024