USA NEWS – Spanish soccer stars Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí reached a new pinnacle in their careers on Monday night, capturing the coveted Ballon d’Or awards in Paris. Their wins not only honored their individual excellence but also sparked a reaction from the football community, with Real Madrid making headlines for boycotting the ceremony in a bold protest against the results. The gala, celebrated at the Théâtre du Châtelet, brought together top players and international celebrities, underscoring the global influence of the Ballon d’Or awards, which have long been regarded as the highest individual honor in soccer.

At 28, Manchester City’s Rodri has solidified his place among the elite, securing his first Ballon d’Or after a stellar season where he was instrumental in helping his team win the Premier League and played a key role in Spain’s European Championship victory. Rodri’s consistent, unselfish style is respected worldwide, making him one of the few defensive midfielders to claim the honor. His calm, calculated approach on the field enables him to protect his team’s defense and distribute passes with remarkable precision, winning him praise from his peers and coaches alike.

Rodri’s achievement is particularly remarkable given the injury he is currently recovering from, an ACL tear that has sidelined him for the season. Attending the ceremony on crutches, he was visibly moved as he accepted the award from George Weah, a former Ballon d’Or winner. “This is an incredible night for me. Growing up, I never imagined winning the Ballon d’Or. It was only recently, after years of hard work, that I allowed myself to dream about it,” said Rodri, expressing gratitude toward his teammates and the support system that has fueled his success.

Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, lauded Rodri’s professionalism, saying, “He’s a player without ego, committed to the team, and driven by his passion for improvement. His consistency is the result of a relentless work ethic and dedication.”

Aitana Bonmatí’s Reign Continues

On the women’s side, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí retained her Ballon d’Or title following a fantastic season that saw her lead Barcelona to a treble, winning the Spanish league, the Copa de la Reina, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Bonmatí’s agility, vision, and scoring ability have made her one of the most celebrated midfielders in the game, and her contribution extends beyond club victories. Representing Spain, Bonmatí has scored five goals in her last five international appearances, further solidifying her as a leader on the field.

Upon accepting her award from actress Natalie Portman, Bonmatí expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s an honor to be here again. I am thankful for my teammates and the clubs that have pushed me to improve every season.” With this win, Bonmatí joins her Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas in securing two Ballon d’Or titles, an accomplishment that speaks volumes about the strength of Barcelona’s women’s team.

Real Madrid’s Absence and Reactions from Vinícius Júnior and Camavinga

While the awards were a celebration for many, Real Madrid’s noticeable absence from the ceremony highlighted an underlying tension. Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, who was widely regarded as a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, finished as runner-up to Rodri. In what appears to be an act of protest, Real Madrid players and officials opted out of attending the ceremony, voicing their discontent through social media.

Vinícius expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I’ll do it 10x if needed. They are not ready.” Fellow Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga echoed the sentiment, denouncing the decision as “football politics” and affirming his support for Vinícius, saying, “My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no award can change that.” Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, also joined in, sharing a supportive message on Instagram with the phrase “Trop Fort” (Too Strong), reinforcing his admiration for Vinícius’s efforts.

Messi and Ronaldo’s Absence from the Race

A notable detail from this year’s awards is the absence of both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the shortlist. This marks the first time since 2003 that neither player was in contention, signaling a new era in the football world. For over a decade, Messi and Ronaldo dominated the Ballon d’Or stage, amassing a combined 13 awards, which cemented their legacy as two of the greatest players of all time. However, the emergence of players like Rodri and Bonmatí reflects a shift toward honoring versatility, teamwork, and dedication over traditional goal-scoring prowess.

Barcelona’s Triumphant Night: Awards for Yamal, Bonmatí, and the Women’s Team

In addition to Bonmatí’s victory, Barcelona’s young prodigy Lamine Yamal, aged 16, made headlines by winning the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. Yamal’s rapid ascent in European football has garnered widespread attention, and his achievement at such a young age makes him one of the most promising players to watch.

Barcelona’s women’s team was also recognized as the best women’s team, reflecting their strong presence in both national and international competitions. This award came as a nod to their consistent performance and dominance in the Champions League, where they have established themselves as one of the most formidable teams globally.

Additional Awards and Recognitions

In a night filled with accolades, other notable awards were presented. Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez retained the Lev Yashin award as the best goalkeeper, with his penalty-saving skills and quick reflexes keeping Argentina competitive on the global stage. Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane shared the Gerd Müller Trophy for their outstanding goal-scoring record of 52 goals each, split between club and country.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé, who transferred to Real Madrid during the offseason, received widespread applause for his achievement, as did Bayern Munich’s Kane, whose powerful presence on the field remains unparalleled. Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s manager, won the Johan Cruyff Award for best men’s coach, underscoring his tactical prowess and leadership skills, even as the club abstained from the ceremony in a show of dissent.

The prestigious Socrates Award, given for humanitarian work, was awarded to Spain’s Jenni Hermoso for her activism against sexism in sports. Hermoso gained international attention after she was kissed on the lips by former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales during last year’s Women’s World Cup final, an incident that prompted a global conversation about respect and equality in women’s sports.

A Special Tribute to Franz Beckenbauer’s Family

Adding an emotional touch to the evening, France Football honored the family of late German football legend Franz Beckenbauer with a special award, recognizing his contributions to the sport. Beckenbauer’s wife and son accepted the tribute, a reminder of his enduring legacy as a pioneer in football and an inspiration for generations.

The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony showcased the immense talent and diversity within the world of soccer. Rodri and Bonmatí’s victories celebrated their dedication and hard work, proving that influence on the field extends beyond scoring goals. With Real Madrid’s bold absence highlighting a protest against the results, this year’s event underscored the ongoing passion and fierce competition among the world’s elite clubs and players. As new stars continue to rise and established players shift to different roles, the Ballon d’Or remains a testament to the enduring impact of soccer’s brightest talents.