The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony concluded with Rodri’s surprising win, particularly since Vinicius Jr. was widely expected to take the award. Some victories, however, were less unexpected—like Emiliano Martinez, who secured the Yashin Award for Best Goalkeeper for the second consecutive year. Argentina and Inter Miami’s captain Lionel Messi didn’t hesitate to congratulate his teammates and the other winners.

“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2024. Especially to Dibu (what a great honor—another award for the best goalkeeper in the world!) And to Lautaro, Leo (Scaloni), and Ale (Garnacho),” Messi shared on Instagram.

Though Messi wasn’t nominated for the Ballon d’Or this year, Argentina was represented by Lautaro, who placed seventh. Emi ‘Dibu’ Martinez also made history as the first goalkeeper to win the Yashin Award in consecutive years. Scaloni, though absent from the ceremony, was nominated for Men’s Coach of the Year, an award that ultimately went to Carlo Ancelotti.

Messi won his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 after leading Argentina to a World Cup victory. This year, however, marked the first time since 2003 that neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo appeared on the nominees list.

Rodri took home the 2024 Ballon d’Or after securing the Premier League and the 2024 Euros titles with Manchester City and Spain, respectively. Despite his role as a defensive midfielder, Rodri also contributed 24 goals (10 goals and 14 assists) across all competitions.

Other Ballon d’Or 2024 winners: Aitana Bonmati and Lamine Yamal

Barcelona also celebrated major wins at the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Aitana Bonmati claimed her second consecutive Ballon d’Or and the fourth for Barcelona Femeni. Additionally, Barcelona was named Best Women’s Club of the Year.

On the men’s side, Lamine Yamal was honored as the Best Young Player, receiving the Kopa Trophy. Emma Hayes, head coach of the USWNT, earned the Johan Cruyff Award for Women’s Coach of the Year. Meanwhile, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Muller Trophy as the season’s top scorers, each with 52 goals.

Since the group phase,Emiliano Martinezbecame a key factor. However, he took everything to another level in the knockout stages. Dibu was crucial to eliminate theNetherlandsin the quarterfinals and, in the final,Francehad no answer for him. His save againstKolo Muaniwill be remembered forever in the extra time.

Now, Emiliano Martinez spoke about his experience in the Qatar 2022 World Cupfinal. Read here to check out all the details such as whichwere the first words the goalkeeper said to stars such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. The moment was very special.

Dibu Martinez reveals special message to Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the World Cup final

Emiliano Martinez spoke about many unknown details which occurred after the World Cup final between Argentina and France. During an interview with TyC Sports, Dibu revealed which were the first words he told Lionel Messi just moments after hoisting the trophy.

“I was celebrating with my daughter and I told him: ‘Thanks for making us World Champions’. He made us what we are. I would love for him to play the next World Cup, but we have to go step by step. First, I just hope he reaches and plays the next Copa America.”

Then, Dibu Martinez was asked about a very controversial subject. His exchanges with Kylian Mbappe. The goalkeeper emphasized that he nould never mock a player of that caliber and remembered the exact moment when he approached Mbappe while the French star was sittingon the pitch sad about the loss. It was truly special.

“To Mbappe, I told him that he had to be proud ofthe type of final he played. I have nothing but respect for him.I told him to look ahead, because he had an amazing final. I told him he shouldn’t be on the pitch regretting what happened. He didn’t want to hear anything of course. He just lost a final. The one who should have been sitting on the pitch was me (laughs).”