Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has made a tough choice regarding who he thinks will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual award in the sport.
Due to their highly successful 2023-24 campaign, where they won their 36th La Liga title and 15th UEFA Champions League trophy --- both record-extending feats, several Real Madrid players are in consideration for this year’s Ballon d'Or.
These include English midfielder Jude Bellingham, who was named La Liga Player of the Season, Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr., and Spanish right-back Dani Carvajal.
Speaking with Chelsea and Nigerian legend John Obi Mikel on his The Obi One Podcast , Ancelotti made a clear-cut choice among the three on who will take the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
"My opinion on who's gonna win, Vinicius [Jr.] because he is a talented player. He did really well last season," the 65-year-old tactician said.
The Italian manager then praised Carvajal for being a vital contributor in their league title and Champions League run, as well as winning the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament with Spain.
He also mentioned that Bellingham winning the La Liga Player of the Season in his first campaign in Spain was a pleasant surprise.
Real Madrid Players On The Running To Win 2024 Ballon d'Or
Vinicius Jr. was the club's top scorer in all competitions in 2023-24, scoring 24 goals and providing 15 assists.
Meanwhile, Bellingham led Real Madrid in La Liga goals with 15, for a total of 23 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.
Carvajal and Vinicius scored both of Real Madrid's goals in their 2-0 win over German club Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 UEFA Champions League final last June.
Aside from the three Real Madrid players, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri is also a strong candidate to win the award.
Inter Miami and Argentina star Lionel Messi is the current holder of the Ballon d'Or, having claimed the honor for a record-extending eighth time in October 2023 after leading his country to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
French striker Karim Benzema, who now plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, is the last Real Madrid player to win the Ballon d'Or in 2022.
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