PARIS — The annual Ballon d’Or ceremony took place on Monday at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, with Spain emerging as the biggest winner of the night.
Rodri and Aitana Bonmati captured the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards, respectively, while 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal clinched the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player.
The 28-year-old Rodri won the Ballon d’Or for the first time after a season in which he helped Manchester City win the Premier League and played a key role in Spain’s UEFA European Championship victory.
When former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah announced Rodri’s name, the Spanish midfielder covered his face in emotion.