Ballon d’Or awards live: Latest news: Rodri tries to beat Vinicius Jr to the top prize

There was one goalkeeper, Lev Yashin, and a trio of defenders, although Fabio Cannavaro was more of a stopper than the German midfielders Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer, who became sweepers. But there has never been a defensive midfielder. The Ballon d’Or is almost seven decades old and Rhodrithe man who brought Manchester City their first Champions Leaguecould have become a history maker in another way.

But then why does he need this? The Ballon d’Or is generally reserved for forwards and talented players. His job description implies selflessness. The defensive midfielder is built to let others take the glory. Yet the paradox of Rodri is that he has reached such a level, achieved so much for his teams, that the spotlight is once again on him.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place today, with the best of men’s and women’s football gathering at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris for an evening of awards and celebrations.

This night is considered the most prestigious awards ceremony in the industry. This is the night when legends are born, joining the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the pantheon of greatness.

Two new awards will be launched this year: Men’s Coach of the Year and Women’s Coach of the Year will join the full list, headlined by the Ballon d’Or and Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Rodri are widely considered favorites for this year’s men’s award, which is incredibly likely to be the first time a winner will be crowned after Messi and Ronaldo have won 13 of the previous 15 awards.

After winning La Liga and the Champions League, Vinicius and Bellingham have a joint advantage over Rodri, who has become a surprise opponent given his position as a defensive midfielder. Vinicius scored 21 goals and provided nine assists in La Liga and the Champions League, while Bellingham enjoyed a stunning debut season at the Bernabeu, including several crucial winners to keep Madrid in the hunt for trophies.

Vinicius Jr will reportedly not travel to Paris for the ceremony this evening, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The same report confirms that no one from Real Madrid will attend the glamorous ceremony in Paris as the Spanish giants believe Vinicius Jr will not win the Ballon d’Or.

Apparently, the main prize will go elsewhere: Florentino Perez, Carlo Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal chose to stay at home.