Rodri showed his emotions when his name was read by former winner George Weah by placing his hands over his face.

“It’s an incredible night for me,” said Rodri, who is out of season after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament last month and arrived at the ceremony on crutches. “One of my most important things is that I always try to improve every game.”

Known as a hard-working and selfless player despite his talents, Rodri was quick to direct the praise to others.

“I want to thank again the people who understand my value in the game,” he said. “When I was a kid I never thought of winning the Ballon d’Or, but in recent years I’ve been playing at the highest level.”

Bonmatí, 26, received his award after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, Spanish cup and Champions League. Bonmatí joins Barça teammate Alexia Putellas, who has won two titles since the women’s cup was first awarded in 2018. Barcelona beat teammates Norwegian Caroline Graham Hansen and Spaniard Salma Paralluelo with a score of 1-2-3.

Receiving the award from Oscar winner Natalie Portman, Bonmatí said, “It is a pleasure to be here again.” “I would like to thank my teammates and clubs for making me a better football player every year.”

No one from Madrid attended the gala in central Paris, although attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham finished third, Dani Carvajal fourth and coach Carlo Ancelotti won the coach of the year award.

Ancelotti sent a message to X, as did Vinícius, who is considered by many to be the favorite for the award despite Rodri also having an outstanding season.

“I’ll do this 10 times if necessary,” Vinicius wrote in Portuguese. “They’re not ready.”

Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga made it clear what he thought of the vote, calling it “football politics”.

“Brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise,” the France national team player wrote on X, along with a photo of himself and Vinicius celebrating together. “I love you, brother.”

Former Madrid star Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, posted a supportive message in French on Instagram with the words “Trop Fort” (“So Strong”).

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won the prestigious individual award 13 times in total, could not compete for this year’s award for the first time since 2003.

The Ballon d’Or was created by France Football magazine and has been awarded to men since 1956 and to women since 2018. It is voted by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.

In a good night for Spain and Barça players, young prodigy Lamine Yamal, the youngest ever scorer in the European Championship, won the Kopa award for the best Under-21 player, while Barça won the best women’s team award.

In the absence of Real Madrid, it was chosen as the best men’s team.

Former PSG striker Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane shared the Gerd Mueller award for scoring the most goals for club and country last season with 52 goals. Mbappé joined Madrid in the off-season.

Argentina’s penalty saving specialist Emiliano Martínez received the best goalkeeper Lev Yashin award.

Ancelotti and Olympic-winning coach Emma Hayes won the Johan Cruyff award for best men’s and women’s coach.

Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso, who fought sexism in Spanish football after being kissed on the lips by former federation president Luis Rubiales during last year’s Women’s World Cup final, received the Socrates award for her humanitarian work.

A special award was given by France Football to the wife and son of the late Germany’s great star Franz Beckenbauer.