Ballon d’Or 2024: the great celebration of Spanish football

Until a few months ago, Spanish football was not really popular. If it is true that Real Madrid continued to rule the roost in Europe on a fairly regular basis, the Iberian selection had lost popularity. Very few observers had predicted La Roja’s title during the last Euro. But this victory for Luis de la Fuente’s men and the explosion of many young people like Lamine Yamal have put Spain back in fashion.

Monday evening, during the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Spain was clearly in the spotlight. Rodri won the men’s Ballon d’Or, while Aitana Bonmati won the women’s title. This is also the fourth women’s Ballon d’Or in a row to end in Spain, since the Barça player succeeds herself and Alexia Putellas had won two before her.

A bright future

Then, Lamine Yamal won the title of best youngster, while Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti were also honored with the trophies rewarding the best club and the best coach. A great celebration for Spanish football. “We are the best”ignites thus Marcawhile the country celebrates the second Ballon d’Or in its history after that obtained by Luis Suarez in 1960. “It’s magnificent for Spanish football, it demonstrates the good health of our football”declared coach Luis de la Fuente, who was nominated for the coach of the year trophy.

It must be said that Spain can look to the future with optimism. If some feared a generational dip in recent years, the appearance of players like Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pau Cubarsi and Gavi bodes well for the future of our neighbors. It would therefore not be surprising if the next editions of the Ballon d’Or also had a strong Spanish flavor…