In the lead-up to the announcement of the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, speculation has swirled around several top players, including Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, and Jude Bellingham. After a breakout season in 2023-24, Vinicius emerged as a fan favorite for the title, with many expecting him to be a top contender due to his phenomenal contributions to Real Madrid. However, in a surprising twist, reports indicate that not only is Vinicius unlikely to clinch the award, but the club itself had another contender in mind—one few had anticipated.
According to insider reports and confirmation from sources like RMC Sport, Real Madrid’s hierarchy felt that if Vinicius wasn’t set to win, then the honor should go to defender Dani Carvajal. Carvajal, a long-serving Madrid defender known for his tenacity and defensive prowess, was part of Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 squad that beat England 2-1 in the final. It seems that the club’s view is that Carvajal’s instrumental role in both the national team’s European Championship triumph and his steady, reliable performances with Real Madrid this past season position him as a worthy candidate for the award.
Adding to the intrigue, renowned transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano noted that Real Madrid would not be sending any official representatives to the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, as club insiders reportedly informed Vinicius Jr. that he would not be receiving the award. This decision has fueled speculation about the club’s dissatisfaction with the Ballon d’Or criteria, which they feel may overlook key achievements like Carvajal’s performance at the international level.
While Vinicius’ contributions have been undeniable, helping Madrid maintain their competitive edge both domestically and in Europe, it appears that Carvajal’s recent exploits on the international stage brought him into the club’s preferred spotlight. The Madrid source’s comments underscore an interesting dynamic in the Ballon d’Or debate: while individual skill often takes precedence, major victories, particularly on a national level, may be viewed as more compelling indicators of a player’s impact and value.
In the wider context of the Ballon d’Or, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri also remains a strong contender. His influential presence in City’s Premier League title-winning squad last season, combined with his pivotal contributions to Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, has made him a prime candidate for the coveted trophy. Reflecting on the award, Rodri openly expressed his belief that Spanish football merits the honor, stating, “A Spaniard deserves to win. Spanish football deserves a Ballon d’Or winner. Spain deserves to win a Ballon d’Or.”
With the announcement just around the corner, tension is high as fans and players alike wait to see who will join the prestigious ranks of Ballon d’Or recipients. For Real Madrid, however, the absence of Vinicius from the winner’s podium, despite his breakout season, points to a potentially lingering question around the criteria for the award. If individual brilliance is not the sole factor, could team achievements—like those of Carvajal with Spain—carry more weight?
Real Madrid decision not to attend the ceremony adds a layer of complexity to the story, leaving fans and analysts to wonder whether the club’s stance reflects a wider critique of the Ballon d’Or selection process. As the debates continue and fans eagerly anticipate the results, the discourse around this year’s award has highlighted the evolving standards by which football’s elite are judged—and it raises further questions about how future recipients will be chosen in this storied award’s history.
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