Who was instrumental in Argentina's Copa America victory and Aston Villa's qualification for the Champions League
Manchester City's midfielder Rodri was triumphant at the men's Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, winning the esteemed award and overshadowing Real Madrid’s nominees—Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham. This decision sparked controversy, leading to Real Madrid boycotting the event, leaving the men’s club of the year award uncollected, and preventing Carlo Ancelotti from receiving the men’s coach of the year title.
The women's Ballon d'Or was awarded to Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati, marking her second consecutive win, with Barcelona celebrating a top-three finish thanks to Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo. Real Madrid expressed their dissatisfaction before the event, stating through AS that if Vinicius was not chosen, Carvajal should have been acknowledged instead. Claiming that the Ballon d'Or 'does not respect Real Madrid,' the club decided not to attend.
The Yashin Trophy for the best male goalkeeper was awarded for the second consecutive year to Emiliano Martinez, who was instrumental in Argentina's Copa America victory and Aston Villa's qualification for the Champions League. The Ballon d'Or ceremony, even with the lack of Real Madrid's representatives, featured outstanding talent from clubs all over Europe, emphasizing the passion and skill that keep elevating the sport worldwide.
