"I've never seen the importance of these individual awards in football" - Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos names Ballon d'Or favorite
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos claimed Manchester City's Rodri is the favorite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The award is set to be given in Paris on Monday, October 28.
Kroos' comments came amid widespread reports of Manchester City star Rodri winning the coveted award over Los Blancos superstar Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian was widely reported to be the top favorite to win this year. He won the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and Supercopa de Espana with Los Blancos last season. He recorded 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 outings across competitions for the Merengues.
Hours ahead of the ceremony, it was widely reported that Vinicius Jr. will not win the award. Instead, multiple reports claimed Rodri will win the Ballon d'Or. No official reports have confirmed or denied the same as of writing.
Shortly before the ceremony, Los Blancos legend Toni Kroos said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"Rodri will win the Ballon d’Or. I’ve never seen the importance of these individual awards in football, they have no place."
Kroos has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or five times in his career but has never won the award. The former Germany international retired from professional football at the end of last season (2023-24). The former midfielder is a part of France Football's 30-man shortlist this year as well.
Real Madrid's delegation will not be traveling to Paris amid reports of Vinicius Jr. not winning the Ballon d'Or
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid's delegation will not be traveling to Paris for the Ballon d'Or gala as their star forward Vinicius Jr. won't be winning the award. As per multiple reports, Manchester City star Rodri is set to win the coveted award ahead of the Brazilian.
Romano further reported via his YouTube channel that Vinicius Jr. or Real Madrid never got any official confirmation from France Football about winning the Ballon d'Or. The transfer expert added that the Brazilian was prepared to celebrate and confident about his win.
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins reported that no representative from Real Madrid will be attending the event hosted by France Football following Vini Jr's alleged snub. According to El Chiringuito TV correspondent Jose Luis Sanchez, Rodri will rank first in the rankings. Meanwhile, Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham will stand second and third, respectively.
Much like Vinicius, Rodri also had a stellar 2023-24 season. The midfielder won the 2024 Euros with Spain and the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City. He recorded nine goals and 14 assists in 50 appearances for City across competitions. He was also named Euro 2024's Player of the Tournament.