“That’s not on my mind, I don’t think about it” - Real Madrid star on 2024 Ballon d’Or race
Real Madrid and Spain star Dani Carvajal has claimed that he is not thinking about the race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The full-back enjoyed a stellar season with Los Blancos last time out and has also enjoyed a fantastic Euro 2024 campaign with Spain as they have made their way to the final.
Carvajal played a key role in helping Real Madrid achieve both Champions League and La Liga success last season. He not only defended his flank excellently but also contributed with six goals and five assists in 41 appearances.
The 32-year-old has scored several important goals for club and country, including a goal in the Champions League final. Carvajal's exploits could well see him in the running for the 2024 Ballon d’Or but the Spaniard has insisted that he is not thinking about it. Carvajal said, as quoted by Madrid Xtra:
“Ballon d’Or? That’s not on my mind, I don’t think about it (laughs).”
Dani Carvajal has been an exceptional yet underrated player for Real Madrid over the years. He came through the youth ranks of the club but had a one-year spell with Bayer Leverkusen in his early days.
He has won a total of 25 trophies for Los Blancos over the years having made 416 appearances for the club. Capped 48 times for Spain, he also won the UEFA Nations League in 2022-23.
Rio Ferdinand names Real Madrid star as clear frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d'Or
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is the clear frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The Brazil international played a starring role for Carlo Ancelotti's side last season as they won the Champions League and the La Liga title.
In 39 appearances across competitions, the forward contributed with 24 goals and 11 assists. Despite Brazil's exit from the quarter-finals in Copa America, Ferdinand claimed that the Selecao star should win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. He said, as quoted by The Madrid Zone:
“I don’t think anyone has done anything else to suggest that they should win Ballon d’Or over Vini Jr.. He was the most decisive player & huge reason why Real won CL & La Liga. If Jude keeps scoring & England win EUROs, he’s definitely going to be in mix too.”
Apart from Vinicius Junior, his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham is also in the running for the prestigious individual award. With England making the final of Euro 2024, the Englishman's chances for the 2024 Ballon d'Or could get even bigger.