Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí were crowned the winners of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best soccer players. Rodri, aged 28, claimed his first Ballon d’Or after a stellar season with Manchester City, where he played a pivotal role in securing the Premier League title and contributed significantly to Spain’s European Championship victory. The Spanish maestro succeeded Lionel Messi, an eight-time winner from Argentina. Rodri, who is currently sidelined due to an ACL injury, expressed his gratitude for the honor and emphasized his commitment to continuous improvement.
On the women's side, 26-year-old Aitana Bonmatí successfully defended her Ballon d’Or title after an outstanding season with Barcelona, where she played a key role in securing the Spanish league, Spanish cup, and Champions League titles. Bonmatí, who received the award from Oscar winner Natalie Portman, acknowledged the support of her teammates and clubs in her development as a football player.
