While the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony in Paris saw a notable boycott from Real Madrid’s delegation, Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland had a different reason for skipping the prestigious event. Instead of attending the awards at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the Norwegian international opted to travel to Malmö, Sweden, to support his friend Erik Botheim as he celebrated winning the Swedish League title.
Haaland, who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or but was not considered a frontrunner, donned a Malmö jersey and shared a photo from the stands as the team secured a decisive victory against IFK Göteborg, clinching the title with two matches still to play. Currently leading the Swedish League by eight points over Hammarby, Malmö has now won the league championship an impressive 24 times. Notably, the Swedish league operates on a spring-to-autumn schedule, which contrasts with the majority of European football leagues.
Ballon d’Or 2024 Winners
At the Paris ceremony, Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí took home the coveted Ballon d’Or awards for men’s and women’s football, respectively. Rodri won the prestigious honor for the first time after playing a pivotal role in Manchester City’s Premier League title win and Spain’s European Championship triumph. His victory marked a significant moment, succeeding Lionel Messi, who has won the award eight times.
Upon hearing his name announced by former winner George Weah, Rodri, who was present on crutches due to an ACL injury that will sideline him for the season, was visibly emotional. “Incredible night for me,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Bonmatí successfully defended her title after helping Barcelona secure the Spanish league, Spanish Cup, and Champions League. She joined her teammate Alexia Putellas as a two-time winner since the award’s inception in 2018. Bonmatí outperformed her fellow Barcelona teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, completing a club sweep of the podium.
Real Madrid’s Boycott of the Gala
The Ballon d’Or ceremony also featured controversy, as Real Madrid’s star players, including Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal, opted to boycott the event. This decision came despite Carlo Ancelotti receiving the Coach of the Year award.
Vinicius Junior, widely regarded as a strong contender for the award, ultimately did not attend, a decision attributed to the club, according to an anonymous source connected to the player. In the voting, Vinicius finished second, with Bellingham taking third.
Haaland’s choice to prioritize his friend’s celebration over the glittering Ballon d’Or event highlights the strong bonds formed within the world of football, reminding fans that personal connections often take precedence over accolades.
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