The Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet showcased soccer’s elite, with a surprising Best Player award going to a Madrid player, while Kylian Mbappé won the Gerd Müller Trophy. Notable attendees included Natalie Portman, who emphasized supporting women’s soccer. She presented the award to Aitana Bonmatí and championed female athletes, inspired by her son, Aleph. Despite personal challenges, Portman remains committed to promoting women’s soccer, reflecting on her efforts with Angel City Football Club.
The soccer community recently turned its attention to the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet for the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony. This year’s event followed the Euro 2024 tournament held in Germany, where Spain emerged victorious. In a surprising twist, it was Madrid’s own Rodri who took home the title of Best Player of the Year, overshadowing the star-studded competition that included French captain Kylian Mbappé, who settled for the Gerd Müller Trophy alongside Harry Kane. Upon receiving his award, the Manchester City star expressed his disbelief, stating, ‘When they called my name, I had no information. I attended like anyone else. It’s extremely gratifying and a huge gift.’
Numerous soccer legends were celebrated during the event, hosted by Didier Drogba and Sandrine Heribert, and aired live on L’Équipe. Among the honorees were Lamine Yamal, recipient of the Trophée Kop, and Emiliano Martínez, recognized as Best Goalkeeper of the Year for the second time. On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí, a Barcelona player, received the Women’s Golden Ball after a successful previous year.
Natalie Portman Advocates for Women’s Football
This year, the 26-year-old Bonmatí was presented her award by renowned actress Natalie Portman, who has been residing in Paris. Portman stole the spotlight on the red carpet, not to promote a film but to champion women’s football. For over four years, she has been actively supporting the sport through her own initiatives.
In July 2020, Natalie Portman played a pivotal role in launching Angel City Football Club, a women’s soccer team in Los Angeles. At that time, she referred to the endeavor as ‘an exciting step’ towards creating a franchise managed by women. She expressed her hopes that this project would foster ‘tangible change for female athletes’ both locally and in the broader professional arena. Two years later, she confided to the Guardian that her 13-year-old son Aleph greatly influenced her efforts. She noted, ‘Seeing him idolize players like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan made me realize that amplifying female athletes could significantly change perceptions.’
A Challenging Yet Inspiring Year for Natalie Portman
On the night of the ceremony, Portman reiterated her passion for the sport, stating, ‘I’m a big soccer fan, especially women’s soccer. I’m thrilled to be here.’ While on stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet, she congratulated Aitana Bonmatí, placing the trophy in her hands and affirming, ‘What you’ve accomplished is extraordinary. You are the hero of many. Everyone here and watching at home, please go support women’s football!’ Her enthusiasm highlighted the collective efforts of celebrities, including Jessica Chastain, Eva Longoria, and Serena Williams, in advancing the mission of Angel City Football Club.
Despite her vibrant public appearance, 2024 has posed personal challenges for the 43-year-old actress, who confirmed her separation from French choreographer Benjamin Millepied after over a decade together. Recently, she solidified her commitment to living in France by purchasing a luxury mansion valued at 15 million euros.