PARIS - Manchester City midfielder Rodri called it a "victory for Spanish football" after winning the Ballon d'Or award for the best player in the world on Oct 28, beating Brazil's Vinicius Jr and England's Jude Bellingham, both of Real Madrid, to the prestigious prize.
His compatriot, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, won the women's award for a second time.
Rodri, a first-time winner of the award, was instrumental in helping City win an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League trophy in the 2023-24 season. He was also named best player at the 2024 European Championship after Spain lifted a record-extending fourth title.
The 28-year-old Madrid native is the first defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or since Lothar Matthaus in 1990 and the third Spaniard to claim the prize after Alfredo di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez (1960).
While the award has been dominated by Spanish league players, no Spaniard had won since the late Barcelona great Suarez more than 60 years ago, despite Spain's golden generation that won the 2010 World Cup, as well as the 2008 and 2012 Euros.
この記事は The Straits Times の October 30, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Straits Times の October 30, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
South Korea's defence ministry denies preferential treatment for BTS' V
South Korea's Ministry of National Defence has refuted claims that V, a member of K-pop boy band BTS, received preferential treatment while serving in the military.
K-actor Jung Woo-sung admits to fathering model Moon Ga-bi's child
South Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, 51, admitted on Nov 24 that he is the father of South Korean model Moon Ga-bi's child.
Chuck Woolery was the first host of Wheel Of Fortune
Chuck Woolery (right), the affable host of Love Connection, Wheel Of Fortune and other television game shows in the United States, who later criticized liberal values and the US Democratic Party as the co-host of a popular right-wing podcast, died on Nov 23 at his home in Texas. He was 83.
Sole Singaporean contestant Yang Yan eliminated
Idol survival reality show Starlight Boys
Spotlight on two female-directed movies in India
Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light might have a shot at winning Academy Awards, a rare prospect for the country
For diamond shoppers, yet another choice to make – natural or man-made?
With Thanksgiving marking the unofficial start of engagement season - late November through Valentine's Day is when marriage proposals are common - ring buying is top of mind for many couples considering marriage.
Culture and cuisine in Hanoi
Visit the Vietnamese capital's Opera House and sample offerings from Michelin-starred chefs in Senses of Capella
BUDGET TIPS FOR FAMILY TRIPS
Going abroad? Here are five money-saving hacks for the holidays with your nearest and dearest
How the late Arthur Frommer inspired travellers to 'just do it'
In the 1980s, when I planned my first trip to Europe, I cannot remember which Frommer's travel guidebook I took along.
Tension, pressure, nerve, genius: At the chess c'ship, the wait is worth it
For all the flow of action, all sport involves varied acts of waiting. We wait for the goal in football, the shooter to fire between heartbeats, a snarling Rafael Nadal to uppercut the air in delight.
