Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí receive the Ballon d’Or in the Spanish plebiscite after furious Real Madrid leave the ceremony

Rodri showed his emotion when his name was read by former winner George Weah, covering his face with his hands.

“It’s an amazing evening for me,” said Rodri, who is sidelined for the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last month and arrived at the ceremony on crutches. “One of my key things is that I always try to improve every game.”

Despite his skills, Rodri, known as a hard-working and selfless player, was quick to pass on the praise to others.

“I just want to thank the people again who recognize my value in the game,” he said. “When I was a child, I never thought about winning the Ballon d’Or, but in recent years I have been playing at the highest level.”

Bonmatí, 26, retained her award after helping Barcelona win the Spanish championship, Spanish Cup and Champions League. Bonmatí joined Barca teammate Alexia Putellas in winning back-to-back titles since the women’s trophy was first awarded in 2018. She defeated her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway and Salma Paralluelo of Spain, as Barcelona finished 1-2-3.

“It’s a pleasure to be here again,” said Bonmatí, who accepted the award from Oscar winner Natalie Portman. “Thank you to my teammates and clubs who make me a better player every year.”

Although attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham was third, Dani Carvajal was fourth and coach Carlo Ancelotti won the coach of the year award, no one from Madrid showed up at the gala in central Paris.

Instead, Ancelotti posted an X, as did Vinícius, who was considered by many to be the favorite for the award even though Rodri also had an outstanding season.

“If necessary, I will do it 10 times,” Vinicius wrote in Portuguese. “They’re not ready.”

Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga made it clear how he felt about the vote, calling it “football politics.”

“My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise,” the French international wrote on X, along with a photo of him and Vinicius celebrating together. “I love you, my brother.”

Former Madrid star Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, posted a supportive message in French on Instagram, including the words “Trop Fort” (“Too strong”).

Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo – winners of the prestigious individual award a total of 13 times – were in the running for this year’s award – which was the first time since 2003.

The Ballon d’Or was founded by France Football magazine and has been awarded since 1956 for men and since 2018 for women. Journalists from the 100 countries highest in the FIFA rankings vote for him.

On a good night for the Spain and Barca players, teenager prodigy Lamine Yamal – the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history – won the Kopa award for best under-21 player, while Barca won the award for best women’s team.

The absent Real Madrid was voted best men’s team.

Former PSG striker Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane shared the Gerd Mueller Award for most club and domestic goals last season (52). Mbappé joined Madrid in the off-season.

Argentine penalty save specialist Emiliano Martínez defended the Lev Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper.

Ancelotti and Olympic winning coach Emma Hayes won the award. Johan Cruyff for the best men’s and women’s coach.

Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso, who fought against sexism in Spanish football after being kissed on the lips by former federation president Luis Rubiales during last year’s Women’s World Cup final, received the Socrates Award for her humanitarian work.

France Football awarded a special award to the wife and son of the late, great German footballer Franz Beckenbauer.