"He deserves it" - La Liga president Javier Tebas names Real Madrid superstar as his favorite to win 2024 Ballon d'Or
La Liga president Javier Tebas has backed Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The Brazil international is the hot-favorite to win the biggest individual award in world football this year and Tebas believes that the 24-year-old deserves it.
The 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d'Or have already been announced with as many as seven Real Madrid players making the cut. Los Blancos won the La Liga title, the Champions League, and Supercopa de Espana last season which certainly justifies the number of their players in the list.
Vinicius Junior is the favorite according to most to win the the award. His teammates Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are also very much in the running as per many.
La Liga president Javier Tebas reckons Vinicius was the standout player last season in world football. He said, as quoted by Madrid Xtra on X (formerly Twitter):
“Ballon d'Or? Vinicius is a different player. He deserves it.”
Vinicius had a phenomenal season for Real Madrid last time out as Carlo Ancelotti's side dominated in both Spain and Europe. Los Blancos won their 36th La Liga title, 15th Champions League, and their 13th Supercopa de Espana last season with their star attacker playing a decisive role.
The fleet-footed Brazilian winger scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 appearances across competitions. If he does win the Ballon d'Or in 2024, he will become the first Brazilian to win it since Kaka in 2007.
Liverpool registered their interest in two Real Madrid stars this summer: Reports
Liverpool reportedly made attempts to sign Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo Goes during the summer transfer window. Arne Slot's side reportedly made their move for the two players early in the window but were swiftly rebuffed by Los Blancos.
Liverpool are known to be long-admirers of both Tchouameni and Rodrygo and reportedly failed to land them before they joined the Whites. Both players are regarded as key players by Carlo Ancelotti. They have played key roles in helping the Spanish giants secure multiple trophies in recent years.
Tchouameni joined Real Madrid in 2022 in a reported €100 million deal from AS Monaco. He has made 93 appearances for the Spanish giants, helping them secure seven trophies.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo joined Los Blancos in a reported €45 million deal from Santos in 2018 and has become an important player over the years. The 23-year-old has made 221 appearances, and contributed with 55 goals and 42 assists winning 12 trophies in the process.