BREAKING. Rodri is the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or

Today in Paris, the 68th annual Ballon d'Or ceremony took place, and the answer to the year’s biggest question has finally been revealed.

Details: The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is Manchester City and Spain's pivotal central midfielder, Rodri.

In a surprising outcome, Rodri edged past Real Madrid stars Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham in the final voting.

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News of Rodri’s win emerged just hours before the ceremony, reportedly leaving Real Madrid’s representatives so stunned that they collectively decided to skip the event.

Rodri becomes the first Spaniard in 64 years to claim the Ballon d'Or, with the last Spanish winner being Luis Suárez in 1960, preceded by Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Additionally, Rodri is the first player in Manchester City’s history to receive this prestigious honor.

• Read also: All Ballon d'Or 2024 results (UPDATED)

Reminder: Rodri helped Spain secure the UEFA European Championship title in 2024 and won the English Premier League with Manchester City.

Currently, he is recovering from an ACL tear.