The clock deducts the hours from the counter to bathe the best footballer of the 2023/2024 season in gold. He Golden Ball walks between uncertainties and rumors. Initially, Vinicius Junior received the highest number of votes to win the award. The decision was not official, but practically unofficial. The scenario began to change the day before the performance and the course was completely modified a few hours before the gala.
After a 180 degree turn, Rodri HernandezManchester City player, presents himself as the main candidate to lift the trophy. Thus, 64 years later, he will receive the testimony of Luis Suarezthe only Spanish footballer to win the Ballon d’Or. Likewise, Spain in general can make historic poker though. Luis De la Fuente He establishes himself as the best trainer, Lamine Yamal as best player under 21 and Atina Bonmatí for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Historically, despite their long footballing tradition, Spanish players have not been rewarded during the gala par excellence of the football world. Not even when the national team was world champion in 2010. At that time, Xavi and Iniesta, scorers in the final, were behind Messi, winner of this edition.
Only three Spanish footballers, one man and two women, have won the highest individual honor. Luis Suárez inaugurated the Spanish showcase in 1960, stunning Ferenc Puskas in the final. It was the first and only Spanish men’s Ballon d’Or until Monday, from which Rodri could receive the baton.
In the next edition (1961) and in 1964 he came second in the final vote and, a year later, in 1965, he was third. After his time at Barcelona, he headed to Inter Milan, being the first Spanish footballer to sign for an Italian team. His transfer was until that date the most expensive in the history of football.
After the former Barcelona player, we had to wait until 2021 to see another footballer, in this case a Spanish footballer, receive the award. Alexia Putellas made history twice by winning in 2021 and 2022. It brings together 15 titles: 6 Leagues, 6 Queen’s Cups, 2 Spanish Super Cups and a UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The next Spaniard was Aitana Bonmati in 2023after a brilliant season with Barça and with the Spanish team, including the World Cup. Spanish football has four Ballon d’Or awards from three different players. This Saturday I might add two more to the display. One in the men’s section, with Rodri and another in the women’s section, with Aitana. The die is cast.
