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Real Madrid superstar Federico Valverde has placed his teammate Vinicius Junior as the favorite to win Ballon d'Or 2024. The Brazilian enjoyed a wonderful season with Los Blancos, winning the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles.
He scored 24 goals and bagged 11 assists in 39 appearances across competitions in the 2023-24 season. Replying to an Instagram story from Vinicius and reposting the same on his account, the Uruguay international wrote:
"Balooooon de oro."
Up until this point, Vinicius and Valverde have shared the pitch on 203 occasions across competitions for Real Madrid, bagging 11 joint goal contributions. However, their teammates in the Spanish capital, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, have also emerged as contenders for the honor.
The England international moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023 for a reported €103 million. Since then, he's made 42 appearances across competitions for the club, bagging 23 goals and 13 assists.
Bellingham may have a stronger case after England also made it to the final of Euro 2024, where he contributed with two goals and an assist in seven matches. However, some would say Carvajal is the strongest contender of the lot.
The right-back played a key role in his club's success last season, making 41 appearances across competitions, bagging six goals and five assists. He bagged the important opener during the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund in the 74th minute.
To top it off, Carvajal won Euro 2024 with Spain, making five appearances and bagging a goal in the tournament.
Pep Guardiola places Manchester City star in the race for Ballon d'Or along with Real Madrid contenders
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes Rodri has a shout to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award along with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.
The defensive midfielder won Euro 2024 with Spain, bagging a goal in six appearances. Speaking about the 28-year-old's chances for the Ballon d'Or, Guardiola said (via the club's official website):
"There are a few candidates for the Ballon d'Or. (From) Real Madrid, Manchester City... I can't deny how happy he (Rodri) would be.
"To be in the race is fantastic for him, his family, friends and of course, Manchester City. We are so proud."
Rodri also won the Premier League title with Manchester City during the 2023-24 season. He played 34 matches in the English top-flight, bagging eight goals and nine assists.
