Spaniards Rodri, Bonmati win Ballon d’Or

Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmati won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best football player.

The 28-year-old Rodri won the prestigious award for the first time after helping Manchester City win the Premier League and being a key player in Spain’s European Championship triumph. He succeeded eight-time winner Lionel Messi of Argentina.

Rodri put his hands over his face when his name was read out by former winner George Weah. “Incredible night for me,” said Rodri, who is out for the season after injuring his ACL last month and arrived on crutches to the ceremony. “One of my key things is I always try to improve every game.”

The 26-year-old Bonmatí retained her award after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, the Spanish cup and the Champions League. Bonmati joined Barca teammate Alexia Putellas in winning two titles since the women’s trophy was first awarded in 2018. She beat her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway and Salma Paralluelo of Spain as Barcelona completed a 1-2-3.

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

Vinicius Jr was among the four men’s finalists with his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. But no one from Madrid attended the gala. Vinicius finished second, with Bellingham third.

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — winners of the award a combined 13 times — were not in the running for this year’s prize — the first time that’s happened since 2003.

On a good night for Spain and Barca players, teen prodigy Lamine Yamal won the Kopa award for best Under-21 player and Barca won the best women’s team award. Real Madrid was voted the best men’s team. Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane shared the Gerd Mueller award for most club and country goals last season with 52. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes, the coach of the Olympics-winning US team, won the Johan Cruyff award for best men’s and women’s coach.

Haaland skips event to watch friend win title

Malmo (Sweden): Erling Haaland skipped the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris to watch a friend clinch the Swedish league title with Malmo instead. The Manchester City striker, who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or but was not considered among the favourites, was seen in the stands in Malmo as the defending Swedish champions beat IFK Goteborg 2-1 to secure the title with two rounds remaining. Haaland’s Norwegian friend Erik Botheim plays for Malmo as a forward.

Vinicius believes fighting racism led to defeat

MADRID: Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr said that he will keep on fighting racism even if his activism is what led to him not winning the Ballon d’Or. “I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” Vinicius posted online. The 24-year-old Brazil international has been subjected to racial abuse on several occasions in Spain, leading to at least two convictions for racist insults in pioneer cases in the country. The awards are based on voting by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries. agencies