Ballon d'Or 2024 had its share of controversy, when Manchester City's Spanish defensive midfielder Rodri won the coveted award over favourite Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid, at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
The 28-year-old was named the best player at Euro 2024, after Spain beat England 2-1 to clinch their fourth title. He had also led his club to a fourth successive Premier League trophy last season. German great Lothar Matthaus was the last defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or, in 1990.
Following the snub, Vinicius Jr said he will continue his fight against racism even if it cost him the Ballon d'Or. Real Madrid boycotted the event in support of their Brazilian forward.
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However, a notable absentee at the event in Paris was Rodri's teammate and Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who was one of the nominees for the Ballon d'Or. The 24-year-old chose to travel to Sweden instead where his friend Erik Botheim won the Swedish league title with Malmo FF.
Haaland was seen in the stands as the defending Swedish champions beat Goteburg 2-1 to win the title. Botheim plays as a forward for Malmo, who are eight points clear of Hammarby in the points table They have won the Swedish title a record 24 times.
Haaland and Botheim, who became friends while playing for the Norwegian junior national team, also featured in a rap video together with fellow footballer Erik Sandberg!
Haaland posted a story on Instagram, wearing a Malmo FF jersey.