Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho names his favorite to win 2024 Ballon d'Or
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has named Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior as his favorite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The United winger did not make the list of nominees for the prestigious award but he was notably nominated for the Kopa Trophy. Both awards will be presented at the Ballon d'Or ceremony later today (October 28).
During a short interview at an event earlier today, El Chiringuito reporters asked Garnacho for his pick to win the Golden Ball and he responded:
“Ballon d’Or? Vini.”
It is hardly any surprise that Vinicius Jr has been widely regarded as the potential winner of the coveted award, following his exploits last season. His impressive individual performances helped Real Madrid win the Supercopa de Espana, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League.
The Brazilian scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions last season. Three of those goals came in the final of the Supercopa de Espana on January 14 when Real Madrid beat Barcelona 4-1.
Vinicius has continued his brilliant run of form this season, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in 15 games so far. Real Madrid have already won the UEFA Super Cup, with the Brazilian winger providing an assist in the final against Atalanta, which ended 2-0.
Time will tell if he will win the coveted award that will recognize him as the best player in the world.
Pep Guardiola backs Rodri to win Ballon d'Or
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has backed midfielder Rodri to win the Ballon d'Or. This comes after an impressive season where the Spaniard was instrumental in City's Premier League win and Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.
Guardiola revealed why he believed that the 28-year-old was the best in the world, explaining to TNT Sports (via Eurosport):
“Because he’s the best. You tell me this; that’s how I will answer. I always thought the Ballon d’Or was Messi and Cristiano. You still see, the age that they are, Messi scoring three goals for his national team."
“Rodri. If I could decide, I would say that. I understand that there are other players that can win it. I think the other way is being nominated and being there is already nice.”
Neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or this year - the first time they are both absent from the list since 2006. Rodri will hope he can take the mantle from Messi, who notably won the award in 2023.