“Bellingham, I don’t know… Vinicius… the Copa America” - James Rodriguez snubs Real Madrid attackers as he picks 2024 Ballon d’Or winner

Former Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez has shared who he thinks will be the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. He chose Dani Carvajal over notable contenders like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.

Rodriguez, who had an impressive Copa America for Colombia this summer, believes his former teammate Carvajal deserves the prestigious award. He highlighted the full-back's crucial contributions to Real Madrid’s LaLiga and Champions League double last season, and his vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.

Discussing the Ballon d’Or candidates, Rodriguez said (as quoted by Mundo Deportivo via Madrid Universal):

"Who should win the Ballon d’Or this year? Carvajal, if it’s for titles, played well."

The 33-year-old also expressed his opinion about other candidates, including Bellingham and Vinicius, who had solid seasons with Real Madrid. He specifically mentioned that Vinicius’ lackluster Copa America performance was a factor in why he did not choose the Brazilian over Carvajal.

“Bellingham, I don’t know… Vinicius… the Copa America,” he added.

Carvajal may have been somewhat overshadowed during Real Madrid’s double-winning season. But his contributions for Spain were particularly notable, even though he missed the Euro 2024 semi-finals against France due to suspension.

Meanwhile, Bellingham had an outstanding debut season with Real Madrid, scoring 23 goals and adding two more during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

Vinicius, on the other hand, netted 24 goals for the Spanish side last season, including a crucial strike in the Champions League final. But Brazil were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Copa America.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti shares his pick for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

Carlo Ancelotti had a remarkable season with Los Blancos, leading them to another Champions League title. When asked about his pick for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Ancelotti chose Vinicius over Carvajal and Bellingham.

However, the Italian coach was quick to acknowledge the contributions of Carvajal and Bellingham and believes that team honors ultimately take precedence over individual accolades.

"My opinion on who’s gonna win, Vinicius Jr because he is a talented player. He did really well last season. It’s true that Carvajal was also really well because Carvajal won the league, won the Champions League, scoring, and won the European Cup," Ancelotti said (via The Obi One podcast).

"And Jude did a fantastic season, winning the Champions League and winning the league. It was a big surprise, the best player of the league. I think it’s not the most important. Try to ask the player, if you interview the player, ‘do you prefer to win the Champions League or the Ballon d’Or’? Champions League!," he added.

Real Madrid are in the United States for their pre-season tour and suffered a 1-0 defeat in their opening match against AC Milan on 31 July.

They will next face their old rivals Barcelona on Saturday, August 3, at the MetLife Stadium before wrapping up their tour with a game against Chelsea on Tuesday, 6 August.