“Both were disappointing” - Shaka Hislop names favourite to win 2024 Ballon d’Or after Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham struggle with national teams

Shaka Hislop has joined the growing list of pundits who have backed Manchester City midfielder Rodri for the Ballon d'Or award this year. He thought that the other two contenders, Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, were not good enough with their respective national teams and thus Rodri should take the cake.

Speaking on ESPN, Hislop stated that initially, the race was between Bellingham and Vinicius Jr after their incredible seasons with Real Madrid. However, with Spain winning Euro 2024 and Rodri emerging as one of the best players in the tournament, he is now the favorite. The former goalkeeper said:

"Coming into this summer, the discussion was whoever had the better international tournament [among] Bellingham or Vinicius would win Ballon d'Or. Both were disappointing. While England got the final [of Euro 2024], I don't think Jude or England had that good a tournament. Brazil went crashing out in the quarters [of Copa America], and Vinicius was also suspended."

He added:

"It was disappointing and all of a sudden, it opened up a conversation around Rodri. Spain go on and win Euro 2024, you look back and City were knocked out of Champions League by eventual winners [Real Madrid] and it was on penalties. Given Rodri's contributions for City all season long, it looks like he is the favourite [now]. Right now, I'm thinking Rodri."

Rodri was key for Manchester City in their run to the fourth consecutive Premier League title last season and also helped them reach the FA Cup final, where they lost 2-1 to Manchester United.

ESPN pundits backing Rodri for Ballon d'Or

ESPN pundits Steve Nicol and Stewart Robson have both backed Rodri to win the Ballon d'Or this year.

Robson said on ESPN FC:

"I would go with Rodri personally because he dominates games. He was beaten only in one game and that was the cup final. He's an inspiration for his club and country. Without him, Man City or Spain would've won the titles [they won]."

Fellow ESPN pundit Steve Nicol also backed Rodri earlier this week and stated:

"Rodri [is my choice for the Ballon d'Or]. He's been terrific for a long time. He probably won't win it. Who puts the goals in is probably going to win it [this year]."

Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr are the other top candidates for the award this year.