The Ballon d’Or went to a new home this year, as Manchester City and Spain star Rodri outlasted three Real Madrid stars to be named the top player in men’s football for the 2023-24 season.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modric are all off the shortlist and the only players to win the award since Kaka took home the honor in 2007.

[ BALLON D’OR: Men’s shortlist | Women’s shortlist ]

The 30-man shortlist was deep and talented but Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal joined Rodri as the favorites to take home the honor of being named the best male footballer in the world.

[ MORE: Who should win the Ballon d’Or 2024? ]

For the third-straight season, the award will honor the best player from the 2023-24 season instead of the c

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