"This is an incredible night for me," said Rodri, who attended the ceremony on crutches after an ACL injury last month sidelined him for the season. "I always strive to improve with every game I play."

Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, considered a frontrunner for the award, finished second, followed by his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. Real Madrid won the La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles last season, earning them the award for Men's Club of the Year, while manager Carlo Ancelotti was named Men's Coach of the Year. However, no one from Real Madrid attended the award ceremony.

Barcelona midfielder Bonmati retained her women's Ballon d'Or after an impressive season, leading Barca women to another Champions League title and a clean sweep of the domestic league, Copa de la Reina, and Spanish Super Cup titles. Barcelona women's team was also named Women's Club of the Year.