In Rodri's case the award crowned an extraordinary year's work in which the influential Manchester City and Spain midfielder became a Premier League and European champion, also winning the Club World Cup.
That was not enough to impress the contingent from Real that had been expected to attend. Their forward, Vinicius Junior, had been hot favourite to win the award but they cancelled their plans to travel upon learning earlier in the day that he had been pipped to the prize.
This story is from the October 29, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 29, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Patience finally snapped at Old Trafford after bosses grew tired of the excuses
There were plenty of times over the past 14 months when sacking Erik ten Hag would have been justified but Manchester United clung on in the hope he could somehow turn things around.
Ten Hag saga is major black eye for Ineos as United's brand is dying
Ratcliffe now has a hugely important decision if his club are to stop being a fading heritage exhibition
Taking United job would be enormous risk for Amorim
job would be enormous risk for Amorim
A view from the stands Going full Woodward is incompetent or cowardly
It was about half an hour after the final whistle at the FA Cup final when I had my exchange with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Van Nistelrooy has learned from the very best coaches
Dutchman took inspiration from Bielsa, Ferguson, Simeone and Robson in developing his own style
Rodri and Bonmati scoop top prizes as Real boycott big night
Rodri and Aitana Bonmati have been named winners at the 2024 Ballon d'Or at football's annual awards ceremony in Paris, their trophies handed out at the end of a bizarre day in which Real Madrid's delegation opted not to attend.
Stanway: Lionesses must evolve as plateau is 'inevitable'
Georgia Stanway said it is \"inevitable\" that England will plateau after their huge success and that they need to reinvent themselves to avoid becoming predictable.
Everything's starting to come together
Jack Draper's improvement in his breakthrough season has resulted from his greater fearlessness under pressure
Verstappen's ruthless streak on show again in Norris battle
Two races and two flashpoints, the world championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris is in full flow.
Curry poised for England return against All Blacks
Sale flanker expected to start after recovery from hip injury that threatened his career
