Ivan Perisic picks Real Madrid superstar as favorite for 2024 Ballon d’Or - and it’s not Bellingham or Vinicius
Ivan Perisic has picked Real Madrid superstar Dani Carvajal over the likes of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024. Carvajal played an important role as Luis de la Fuente's Spain side won Euro 2024.
The Real Madrid full-back enjoyed a tremendous season for club and country, winning the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Supercopa de Espana with his club side and now Euro 2024 with La Roja.
Perisic reacted to Spain's win on Sunday (July 14) on social media and the Croat claimed that Fabian Ruiz was the MVP of the tournament. He also endorsed Carvajal to become the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 to win the Ballon d'Or.
You can view Perisic's Instagram story below:
Spain defeated England 2-1 in the final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday. Nico Williams (47') drew first blood for Spain before Cole Palmer restored parity (73'). Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal, who replaced Spain captain Alvaro Morata, was the hero of the game with his 86th-minute winner.
Carvajal was the on-field captain during Spain's crowning moment as Morata had already been taken off. Luis de la Fuente's side have now won Euro 2024 after winning the UEFA Nations League in 2023.
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal's incredible season culminates with Euro 2024 triumph
Dani Carvajal was an integral part of the Real Madrid side that won three trophies in the 2023-24 season. He scored six goals and provided five assists in 41 appearances across competitions last term. This was Carvajal's highest-scoring season of his professional career.
He barely put a foot wrong during Euro 2024 as well. Despite being sent off in the quarter-final against Germany, Carvajal's performances can't be downplayed. In five appearances, he scored once, made nine tackles, and completed 31 ball recoveries in a spectacular campaign.
Carvajal also had a stellar game in the final, cautiously taking care of the attacking threat of Jude Bellingham and Luke Shaw on England's left-hand side. He was also a handful moving forward with the ball for Spain.