“I would split it in half” - Real Madrid star Fede Valverde says 2 players deserve 2024 Ballon d’Or
Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has claimed that both of his teammates Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. deserve the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. He jokingly exclaimed that he would split the trophy in half and give it to the English midfielder and the Brazilian attacker if he could.
In a live chat with fans on The Residency app, the Uruguayan midfielder was asked who he thought deserved the golden ball. He replied (via @MadridXtra on X):
"Ballon d’Or to Vini Jr or Bellingham? I would split it in half. Both are incredible."
Even though he missed 13 games due to hamstring and thigh injuries, Vinicius has enjoyed an incredible 2023-24 season so far. He has bagged 23 goals and 11 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos.
The Brazilian has delivered some memorable performances under pressure this season. He netted a hat-trick in the Supercopa de Espana final against El Clasico rivals Barcelona, helping his side win 4-1. He also scored a brace against German giants Bayern Munich in the first leg of Real's UEFA Champions League semifinal fixture at the Allianz Arena.
Bellingham moved from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid for a reported fee of €103 million plus add-ons at the start of the 2023-24 campaign. He wasted no time settling down, immediately establishing himself as a focal point of Real's play.
Aside from his impeccable tackling, dribbling and passing vision, he added a goalscoring facet to his game. Even as a midfielder, he has racked up an astounding 23 goals and 12 assists in 41 games across all competitions.
"If thats how he feels, then you can split it in two" - Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham on Vinicius calling him the best player
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham recently praised his teammate Vinicius Jr., calling him the 'best in the world' and claiming that he deserves the 2024 Ballon d'Or title.
In an interview with The Athletic's Guillermo Rai, Bellingham said (via TalkSPORT):
"For me, Vini Jr is the best in the world. He creates magic out of nothing. He has everything to be the best. If that's how he feels [Vinicius said Bellingham is the best], then you can split it in two [laughs]."
In the 2023 Ballon d'Or standings, Vinicius finished in sixth place while Bellingham was further behind in 18th place. This season, however, they are the favourites to lift the coveted title.
The pair's chances of winning will be greatly boosted if Real Madrid get the better of Bellingham's former side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1.