This past weekend was filled with many newsworthy events all across Europe. We had the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where many of Europe’s top individual and team awards were given out, which saw a little bit of controversy with the biggest prize. Also, one of the world's biggest clubs sacked their manager after two and a half seasons in charge. Important results across Europe's top four leagues are establishing the leading contenders for their respective league titles. Let’s look across Europe for the biggest storylines in the world of soccer this week.
Manchester United sack Erik Tan Hag
Last weekend, Manchester United lost 2-1 away to West Ham at the London Stadium, which sealed the fate of the Dutch manager. Manchester United sacked Tan Hag right after the game, with the Dutchman leaving the club with 11 points after nine Premier League games, which marked one of the worst starts to a season in club history. Manchester United also struggled in Europe this season under his membership, having only claimed three points enough to leave them at 21st in the UEFA Europa League standings. Manchester United appointed former player for the club Ruud Van Nistelrooy to serve as the interim manager. Early reports suggest that Sporting FC manager Rúben Amorim is the main target for the English giants.
Rodri wins the 2024 Ballon d’Or
Rodri was awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or for his contributions to Manchester City and Spain after an impressive campaign for both club and country. Rodri helped guide Manchester City to the 2024 Premier League title, which was marked by an impressive undefeated streak with the club when the Spaniard was in the lineup. Rodri was also a co-captain for Spain during the 2024 Euros this past summer, in which he helped Spain beat tournament favorites England 2-1 in the final in Berlin. Rodri is one of two midfielders to win the Ballon d’Or over the last decade, with the last being Luka Modrić after his impressive international tournament display in the 2018 World Cup. Rodri beat out both Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, who were controversially boycotting the ceremony.
Real Madrid Boycotts 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Real Madrid decided as a club to boycott the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony after club star Vinicius Junior was informed days prior that he wasn’t going to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, finishing in second place behind eventual winner Rodri from Manchester City. Many current players and club legends showed invoice their displeasure with the results, believing that Vinicius Junior fully deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid had a very successful season capped off with a UEFA Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund back in May, with many thinking that is enough to secure the Ballon d’Or for the Brazilian, but a not-so-impressive Copa America run that saw Brazil fail to reach the final would soon prove costly for Vinicius Junior as Rodri’s success during the Euros saw the Spaniard win the award. Real Madrid's decision to boycott the ceremony didn’t go unnoticed, as the club won the 2024 Club of The Year with no representation from the club present to accept the award.
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