Ballon d’Or 2024: Spain Coach Snubs Vinicius and Bellingham Picks Euro 2024 Best Player As Favourite

Ballon d’Or 2024: Spain Coach Snubs Vinicius and Bellingham Picks Euro 2024 Best Player As Favourite

  • The debate about who should clinch the coveted 2024 Ballon d'Or prize continues to split opinions among fans and pundits alike
  • Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior were the favourites heading to this summer's European Championship and Copa America
  • However, it appears their performances at the competitions, as mentioned earlier, have done more harm than good to their chances

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has shared his thoughts on who should win the 2024 Ballon d'Or after leading La Roja to victory in the European Championship.

The 63-year-old coach revealed his choice for the prestigious individual award following Spain's triumphant 2-1 win over England in the final at the Olympiastadion on Sunday, July 14.

Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham's chances of winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or suffered a huge dent after the Copa America and Euros.
The chances of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham winning the Ballon d'Or have reduced after the Copa America and Euros. Photos by Charlotte Wilson/Offside, Franck Fife and NurPhoto.
Source: UGC

De la Fuente's team was widely regarded as the best at the tournament, and they capped their impressive performance with a well-deserved victory.

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Who deserves to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or?

When discussing the potential Ballon d'Or winner, the Spanish manager tipped one of his players for the prize.

While much of the conversation has revolved around Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, as well as Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, de la Fuente has a different perspective.

Spain boss tips Rodri ahead of Vinicius and Bellingham

He believes Rodri, named the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024, deserves the award more than his competitors.

“Rodri has to be the Ballon d’Or. Give it to him, please," de la Fuente said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“He’s simply the best player in the world.”

According to Goal, Rodri's MVP performance at Euro 2024, combined with other accolades from the 2023-24 season, may be enough to secure him the Ballon d'Or.

Read also

Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid star tipped as England's future captain for his actions after Spain's loss

Messi names 2024 Ballon d'Or contestants

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lionel Messi mentioned several names when the Inter Miami star was asked to pick his choice to win this year’s Ballon d'Or award but did not include Bellingham.

The England midfielder, who had a stellar debut season with Real Madrid, winning the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles in his first season in Spain, is expected to provide stiff competition to whoever is in the running for the prize.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
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Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng