The Madrid City Council's decision, announced by municipal spokesperson Inma Sanz, highlights achievements in sports and culture. The proposal now awaits final approval at the April Plenary session.
Spotlight on the Honorees:
• Rodri Hernández: The Madrid-born midfielder (1996) is celebrated not just for his pivotal role at Manchester City and the Spanish national team, but also for his recent triumphs, including winning Euro 2024 (where he was named Player of the Tournament) and securing the Ballon d'Or, a rare feat for a Spanish player. The award recognizes both his sporting excellence and personal values.
• Teresa Perales: A powerhouse in Paralympic swimming, Perales holds 28 Paralympic medals (matching Michael Phelps' Olympic record) earned between 2000 and 2024. A recipient of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, she also boasts 22 World Championship medals. Beyond her athletic prowess, Perales is a recognized advocate for disability rights and inclusion.
• Juan Antonio Pérez Simón: His art collection ranks among the world's most significant, featuring over 4,000 works by masters like El Greco, Goya, Monet, and Picasso. A 2024 exhibition of his collection at CentroCentro drew 90,000 visitors, and parts of it will soon find a permanent home in Madrid's Espacio Cultural Serrería Belga.
Additionally, fifteen 'Medals of Madrid' will be awarded to various institutions and individuals, including historic businesses like Almacenes Pontejos, cultural landmarks like the Cuesta de Moyano book market and Plaza 1 de las Ventas, sporting events like La Vuelta a España, and notable figures such as writer Carmen Posadas and executive María Dolores Dancausa.