Ballon d’Or 2024: Rodri crowned, Vinicius Jr in the shadows?

Rodri, the Manchester City and Spanish national team defensive midfielder, has been crowned the 2024 Ballon d'Or, a choice that echoes his pivotal role in his club and country's success this year. However, the win is not without its share of debate: Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid's flamboyant forward and Brazilian icon, was also in the running, raising global expectations for his eventual triumph. Rodri's choice therefore rekindles the question of the Ballon d'Or criteria, between collective efficiency and individual brilliance.

Rodri: The silent influence of a midfield maestro

Rodri is not one to steal the show with brilliant dribbles or spectacular goals. Yet he was voted the best player on the planet this year, a tribute to his pivotal role in Manchester City's historic treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup victories in 2023. His ability to control the game, stabilise the midfield and provide solid defensive cover were key to City's dominance, which also saw them lift the UEFA Super Cup.

His impact on Spain's Nations League champions also strengthens the argument in his favour. While his style is less flamboyant than that of strikers like Vinicius, Rodri embodies the archetype of the key player whose consistency and commitment transform the team from within. His victory resonates as a recognition of the work behind the scenes, the work that often escapes the general public but remains crucial in the eyes of connoisseurs.

Vinicius Jr: A Brilliant Talent Eclipsed?

At the other end of the spectrum, Real Madrid's star striker Vinicius Jr has had a stellar season in La Liga and the Champions League, dazzling fans with his skill, pace and ability to break through difficult situations. While Real Madrid have not matched Manchester City's collective output this year, Vinicius has established himself as his team's attacking leader, often carrying the weight of the game on his shoulders with impressive regularity.

Vinicius' absence from the top step of the podium rekindles an old debate: should we reward collective performance and strategic efficiency or raw talent and individual impact? Because, in the imagination of fans, the Ballon d'Or has often been the prize for goal scorers and ball magicians, players who make an impression with their spectacular moves, not with their defensive statistics or their silent contribution to the team. Vinicius Junior, with his extraordinary performances and growing popularity, embodies precisely this spectacular dimension of football that some believe is essential for a Ballon d'Or.

Selection criteria: an eternal debate

Rodri's choice seems to mark a new trend, that of a Ballon d'Or that gives more credit to players who have an overall impact and a role as pillars in their teams, even if their style of play is not necessarily spectacular. On the other hand, Vinicius Jr, although brilliant, has not been able to transform individual performances into significant collective titles with Real Madrid this year, which undoubtedly weighed in the balance.

By favouring Rodri, voters are sending a strong message: recognition of versatile players, capable of consistent performances and sacrifices for their team. But this decision is not without raising questions, particularly among those who consider that individual distinctions should also value panache and style, especially in a sport like football where spectacle is central.

At a time when the Ballon d'Or has rewarded a variety of profiles - from prolific strikers to midfield strategists - this decision is a reminder that the criteria for the trophy are malleable and subject to reinterpretation depending on the times and values ​​of the moment. Vinicius Jr, at only 24, nevertheless remains a strong contender for the coming years, with a good chance of one day lifting this prestigious trophy.

In the meantime, this 2024 edition highlights that the Ballon d'Or continues to evolve, reflecting not only sporting performance, but also a vision of football where the collective and strategic intelligence are beginning to take on as much weight as individual genius.