Rodri, 28, claimed the men’s award for the first time in his career, after a stellar season that saw him play a pivotal role in Manchester City’s Premier League title win and Spain’s triumph at the European Championship. He edged out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham to secure the coveted prize.

Bonmati, 26, retained the women’s Ballon d’Or, having also won it last year. She was instrumental in Barcelona’s success in both La Liga and the Champions League.

The awards ceremony, held in Paris, was marked by the absence of Real Madrid, who boycotted the event in protest of Vinicius Junior not winning the men’s award. Despite the club’s absence, they were still recognized as the men’s club of the year, while Carlo Ancelotti was named men’s coach of the year. Barcelona, meanwhile, were named the women’s club of the year.

Other notable awards included the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, which went to Spain’s Lamine Yamal, and the Socrates Award for social commitment, which was awarded to Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso for her role in the fight for women’s rights in football.