Arsenal's growing reputation on the world stage was underlined at the Ballon d'Or ceremony this evening when four of Mikel Arteta's players – Declan Rice, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard – were just seven places apart in the rankings.

Club captain Odegaard led the quartet to finish in 19th place – further recognition of his impressive performances for the Gunners over the last two seasons – while Bukayo Saka was two places behind in 21st. The England international scored important goals for club and country in 2024 as he finally got to prove himself in the Champions League.

Not far behind were William Saliba (24th) and Declan Rice (26th), who were crucial to Arsenal's title bid last season. Both men also made an impression at last summer's European Championships with semi-finalists France and finalists England.

Meanwhile, Spanish international Mariona Caldentey, who joined Arsenal Women from Barcelona in the summer, finished eighth in the Women's Ballon d'Or rankings.

The glittering ceremony in Paris was overshadowed even before it began when it was leaked that Real Madrid had refused to send representatives after learning that their striker Vinicius Jr. had not won the top prize. This decision proved all the more remarkable when Madrid was named Men's Team of the Year and Carlo Ancelotti was named Men's Coach of the Year.

As for the other awards, apart from Lamine Yamal winning the Kopa trophy for best young player, it felt like a who's who of former Arsenal opponents on stage – Emi Martinez (Goalkeeper of the Year), Emma Hayes (Women's Coach of the Year). ) and Harry Kane (top scorer) won awards before Rodri was presented with the Ballon d'Or himself. Aitana Bonmati took the women's equivalent.

Meh.