Spanish football stars, Rodri and Aitana Bonmati took home the top honors at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday.

Rodri, Manchester City’s dynamic midfielder, was awarded the men’s Ballon d’Or, while Barcelona’s standout playmaker Bonmati claimed the women’s award.

Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati (L) and Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri pose with their Ballon d’Or awards. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

This prestigious recognition further cements both players’ influence on the international stage, though Rodri’s win has sparked some controversy.

Rodri, who was instrumental in Manchester City securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title and in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, was preferred over Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, widely regarded as the pre-ceremony favorite.

Real Madrid, voted Club of the Year, had no representatives in attendance, as the team boycotted the event in support of Vinícius.

Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernández lifts the trophy as Carlo Ancelotti looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 final match. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Just hours before the ceremony, the club issued a statement citing “perceived disrespect” towards their star forward as the reason for their absence.

While Rodri’s award generated debate, the selection of Bonmati as the best female player of the year was undisputed.

The Barcelona and Spain midfielder earned her second consecutive Ballon d’Or after leading her club to a historic continental quadruple and guiding Spain to a UEFA Nations League victory.

At 26, Bonmati joins her teammate Alexia Putellas as one of only two women to win the Ballon d’Or twice since the award’s establishment in 2018.