“He deserves it” - Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes backs teammate to win the Ballon d’Or
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes believes his Brazil teammate Vinicius Junior deserves to win the Ballon d'Or award this year. The Real Madrid winger is considered among the favorites to win the prize, along with the likes of Dani Carvajal and Rodri, among others.
It isn't surprising to see the Gunners centre-back name his national team colleague, having shared the pitch with Vinicius six times across competitions. The pair are yet to register a joint goal contribution.
When asked who he thinks should be awarded the highest individual honor in the sport, Gabriel said (via @theMadridZone):
"Vini Jr. is the best player in the world. No doubts. He deserves the Ballon d’Or."
The 24-year-old attacker had a stellar 2023/24 campaign, particularly with his club side. They managed to win the La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, in which the Brazilian played a key role in their success.
He scored 15 goals and bagged six assists from 26 appearances in Spain's top-flight league and netted six times to go with his five assists in the Champions League. Crucially, Vinicius also scored in the final of Europe's highest club competition, where his team managed to defeat Borussia Dortmund 2-0.
However, one may argue that Rodri or Carvajal deserve the award after they won Euro 2024 last summer. On top of that, the latter of the two managed to clinch the Champions League with Real Madrid, scoring their opener in the final.
Meanwhile, Rodri enjoyed domestic success with Manchester City as they saw off threat from Arsenal to win their fourth straight Premier League title.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry wishes for Manchester City star to win the Ballon d'Or
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes Rodri must win the Ballon d'Or award this year. He has claimed that the Spain international is an integral component of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side.
Last season, the number six made 50 appearances across competitions for the Cityzens, bagging nine goals and 14 assists. Speaking to CBS Sports, Henry said (via Metro):
"Rodri. I [always] wanted Xavi and Andres Iniesta to win it when they were performing.
"People forget about midfielders and what they do. They’re the heart of the team. He is the heart of Manchester City."
Rodri was also at the heart of the Spain midfield at Euro 2024, making six appearances and scoring once. However, he featured for just 45 minutes in the final against England due to injury.