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It’s official! Spain are champions of Euro 2024.
La Roja had an incredible run leading up to the final. They won all 3 of their group matches and didn’t concede a single goal in the process. Luis de la Fuente’s side also won their 3 knockout games without having to drag any of the matches to a penalty shoot-out.
Spain was a strong favorite to win the final against England. Many were also of the opinion that they fully deserved to lift the trophy because they defeated powerhouses Italy, Germany, and pre-tournament favorites France en route to the final.
Before the Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024 tournaments kicked off, the general consensus was that Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid were the top two contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or award. Just like La Roja, Real Madrid had a stellar 2023/24 season and their standout players were these two.
Who was going to win the award between Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr would ultimately hinge on how well England performed in Euro 2024 and Brazil in Copa America 2024 respectively.
Brazil’s Copa America 2024 campaign was a major disappointment. Despite boasting a very talented squad, they barely made it through the group stage with draws against Costa Rica and Colombia, before crashing out in the quarterfinals to Uruguay on penalties after a goalless draw.
Prior to the kick-off of the tournament, Ronaldinho, one of the greatest players to put on the Seleção jersey strongly criticized the current squad. He labeled them as one of the worst in recent years and lacking passion.
After they got eliminated, fans also joined in to criticize them. It was perceived that the team lacked creativity and finishing. Plus, they questioned Dorival Junior’s side’s ability to recapture their past glory.
As for England, they also had a rather underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign. However, as fate would have it, they somehow reached the final courtesy of luck and very controversial decisions.
Jude Bellingham prevented a major embarrassment for the Three Lions in the round of 16. They were on the verge of being knocked out by Slovakia before the Real Madrid midfielder scored an equalizer deep into stoppage time. Harry Kane scored the winner in extra time.
Against all odds, England reached the final but lost to Spain 2-1.
The major talking point after Spain’s victory is who now deserves to win the Ballon d’Or as two other players have now become strong contenders: Rodri of Manchester City and Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid.
Rodri had a fantastic season with Manchester City in the 2023/24 season. His side won the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup and were also crowned Premier League winners, a title they have won four years in a row now. The midfielder was a major cog in the machine for Spain during the Euros. Plus, he received the award for player of the tournament.
Just like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, Dani Carvajal was a member of the Spanish squad that lit up Europe in the 2023/24 season. Los Blancos won both the La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles last season.
It was none other than Dani Carvajal who scored their opening goal in the Champions League final where they defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0. The defender was also one of the main men and best performers for La Roja leading up to their victory in the Euros.
Before both the Euro and Copa America tournaments kicked off, the favorites for the Ballon d’Or award were Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, both of Real Madrid. After both of these tournaments have concluded there are now four favorites.
Let us take a closer look at what each of these players achieved at both an individual and team level with their respective clubs during the 2023/24 season. We will also analyze what they achieved with their respective countries at the respective tournaments they competed in:
Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr. exploded in the 2023/24 season, becoming a force to be reckoned with. The Brazilian scored 21 goals and provided 12 assists across all competitions. He earned the prestigious UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award, scoring 6 goals including the winner in the final against Borussia Dortmund.
The number 7’s pace, skill, and improved finishing were key to Real Madrid’s success this season as the Spanish giants secured a record-extending 36th La Liga title and their 15th Champions League trophy.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham had a phenomenal season with Real Madrid, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions, helping his team win the La Liga and Champions League titles. The midfielder also won the award for La Liga Player of the Season.
Despite England’s underwhelming performance at Euro 2024, the 21-year-old scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist for the Three Lions during the tournament.
Rodri
Rodri had a solid 2023/24 season with Manchester City, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists in all competitions. The midfielder helped his team win the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and Premier League titles. He also helped them reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and the final of the FA Cup.
For Spain, Rodri played a crucial role in their Euro 2024 campaign, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists as they reached the final. He also won the award for Player of the Tournament.
Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal had a strong 2023/24 season with Real Madrid, providing 7 assists in all competitions and helping his team win the La Liga and Champions League titles. The defender was also included in the La Liga Team of the Season.
For Spain, Carvajal played a key role in their Euro 2024 campaign, providing 3 assists along their way to victory.
Although it’s not apparent to many, aside from these four players, there is actually a wildcard that can compete with them for the Ballon d’Or award. It is none other than Lionel Messi.
Argentina recently won the Copa America trophy for the second time in a row after they defeated Columbia 1-0.
It is also important to mention that Lionel Messi is now the player who has won the most trophies in the history of football. The 2024 Copa America title was his 45th trophy.
Before the year runs out, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could potentially win 3 trophies with his club side Inter Miami. These trophies are US Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and MLS Regular Season.
Lionel Messi has already secured the Copa America trophy with Argentina. Should he win one or two, or possibly all three of these trophies at Inter Miami, he will definitely be in contention for this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
Granted, there is a great disparity between the quality of football being played in America and Europe hence some might feel he shouldn’t be in contention for the award. However, for a player of Lionel Messi’s caliber, that’s just how things work.
Who Deserves To Win The Ballon d’Or Award For 2024
The race for the Ballon d’Or award has never been more intense, with four contenders – Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Dani Carvajal – vying for the prestigious honor. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the competition should be narrowed down to two individuals: Rodri and Dani Carvajal.
Their instrumental roles in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, coupled with their outstanding club performances, make them the most deserving candidates. While Vinicius Jr and Bellingham had impressive seasons, their lack of major international trophies this year puts them at a disadvantage.
Between Rodri and Carvajal, the former stands out as the more deserving winner. His dominant midfield displays for both Spain and Manchester City have been nothing short of exceptional. Rodri’s ability to control the tempo of the game, coupled with his defensive prowess, makes him an invaluable asset to his teams.
His impressive goal and assist tallies only add to his already strong case. While Carvajal’s performances have been outstanding, Rodri’s consistency and impact on the biggest stages make him the most worthy recipient of the Ballon d’Or award this year.
On a final note, Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, has endorsed Rodri to win the Ballon d’Or award this year. He said in quote, “Rodri is the best player in the world, please give him the Ballon d’Or now.”
This article was updated 1 month ago
