Lionel Messi has been awarded the prize at three of the last four galas. This time, however, the football prize in the French capital was not about the Argentine.
Instead, it revolved around Rodri.
The Spaniard – who will not play anymore this season due to a cruciate ligament injury – received the prize in Paris.
What an incredible evening for me, he says.
One of my most important things is that I always try to get better for every match.
The gala was, however, marked by some cancellations.
Real Madrid chose to skip the trip and, according to several media outlets, it was because star Vinicius Júnior would not receive the prize.
Besides the striker, among others Carlo Ancelotti and club director Emilio Butragueño would have been part of Real Madrid's delegation to the French capital.
Ancelotti received the prize as the year's men's coach and Real Madrid became the year's team on the men's side.
According to a statement to the news agency AFP, the gala organizer claims that no one – neither players nor clubs – knows who will be awarded prizes.
Another who was not in Paris was Manchester City star Erling Braut Haaland. The Norwegian, fifth in the year's vote, second last year, went to Malmö to watch friend Erik Botheim's gold match against IFK Göteborg at Eleda Stadion.
Ballon d'Or (men): Rodri, Manchester City.
Ballon d'Or (women): Aitana Bonmatí, Barcelona.
Coach of the Year (men): Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid.
Coach of the Year (women): Emma Hayes, USA.
Club of the Year (men): Real Madrid.
Club of the Year (women): Barcelona.
Best men's player under 21 years: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona.
Best goalkeeper (men): Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa.
