"Looks like it is a toss-up between those two" - Michael Owen names his favorites to win the Ballon d'Or this year
Former England striker turned television pundit Micahel Owen has named Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior as the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024. Both players played pivotal roles for Los Blancos as they won both the La Liga title and the Champions League last season.
Owen has claimed that Bellingham has done an exceptional job since his switch to Real Madrid last summer from Dortmund. The former Liverpool striker reckons Bellingham could be the favorite for Ballon d'Or if he enjoys a solid Euro 2024 campaign with England.
Vinícius Júnior has been named another frontrunner for the most prestigious individual award in world football. However, Owen has claimed that Real Madrid's latest acquisition Kylian Mbappe could also enter the race if he scored a hat-trick in the Euro 2024 final like he did in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Owen said, as quoted by DAZN:
"Bellingham has obviously done great. If England go and have a great Euros then he would be the obvious one. Vinícius Júnior has done equally well. You've just got to wait for the Euros, haven't you? If Mbappe goes and scores a hat trick again in a final, like he did in the World Cup, he could be a late runner."
The former Liverpool and Manchester United striker, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2001, added:
"As things stand, it probably looks like it is a toss-up between those two, Vinicius Junior and Bellingham, but there is still the biggest tournament to go of the year, so things can change."
Bellingham enjoyed a stellar debut season with Real Madrid contributing with 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games. Vinícius Júnior also enjoyed a fantastic season as he scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 appearances.
Yan Couto backs Real Madrid attacker to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024
Manchester City right-back Yan Couto has backed Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d'Or award in 2024 following his spectacular season with Real Madrid. The Brazil international lauded the 23-year-old for drastically improving his game during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Couto, who was on loan at Girona last season, said, via Madrid Zone:
“I watch Viní in training with the national team and it is good that we are improving. Watching a world-class winger, who if not the best, is the second or third best. He deserves the Ballon d'Or. He is improving in all aspects and he scores a lot of goals and provides assists. He has developed a lot since his arrival to Real Madrid."
Vinicius Junior was one of the most influential players for Carlo Ancelotti's side last season as they won the double. The fleet-footed attacker has made a total of 264 appearances for Real Madrid till date scoring 83 goals and producing 75 assists.