Vinicius, Rodri or Bellingham… who deserves 2024 Ballon d’Or after Euro and Copa America?

By Okezie Omorogie

In recent months, the battle for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, arguably football’s most iconic award in both the male and female categories, has captured the attention of football fans, officials, pundits and players worldwide.

Numerous players from the start of 2023/24 season who have performed excellently well in both their respective countries and football club matches and maintained a high professional standard both within the game and outside have been linked or projected as top contenders for the award.

However, three players have consistently been the focus of discussions: Vinícius Júnior, Rodri, and Jude Bellingham. This piece aims to analyze their impact throughout the previous football season as well as the recently concluded Copa America and UEFA Euro 2024.

THE MAGICAL VINICIUS JR

The 24-year-old Brazilian left-winger Vinicius Jr. has been a crucial player for 2024 la Liga and Champions League winners, Real Madrid, consistently delivering impressive performances and providing fantastic statistics in every match played.

His ability to take on defenders, score goals, and provide assists has made him a key offensive weapon for the Los Blancos side.

As a member of the Brazilian national team, Vinicius has been instrumental in international matches, contributing both goals and assists. However, his recent performances for the Brazilian national team have been somewhat lacking, leading fans and football critics to label him as “just a Madrid merchant.”

His exceptional pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create opportunities and goal-scoring chances in the final third give him a strong advantage in the race for football’s most prestigious award.

His impressive performance in last season’s UEFA Champions League, including his crucial goal in the closing stages against Bundesliga (in the semi-final) and Borussia Dortmund (in the final) further boosts his chances of winning the award.

Despite his impressive performances and record-breaking achievements, Vinícius Jr. has faced some criticism, particularly regarding his decision-making in crucial moments—a weakness that has improved over time.

Additionally, his controversial behavior with the Spanish press and Spaniards may hinder his chances of winning the award.

Ultimately, Vinícius Jr.’s success will depend on his ability to maintain consistency throughout the season and contribute significantly to major trophies for both club and country.

THE RESILIENT RODRI

Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, commonly known as Rodri, is currently considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

The 28-year-old Spanish defensive midfielder has been a key figure in Manchester City’s midfield, providing crucial stability and control.

His performances have been crucial in the citizen’s domestic and European competition victories, including his pivotal role in their Champions League victory in 2023.

Rodri has brought the same energy and impact to the Spanish national team as he has to his club. His ability to control the tempo and provide defensive solidity has been crucial, helping Spain become one of the strongest defensive teams in the world by conceding fewer than five goals throughout the Euro 2024 tournament.

Rodri, known for his exceptional tactical awareness, passing accuracy, ball control, and ability to predict opponents’ moves and read the game, has become a top favorite among fans and football pundits for the Ballon d’Or this year.

While Rodri excels at maintaining possession, applying pressure on opponents, and performing defensive duties, he may not match more attacking players like Erling Haaland in terms of direct goal-scoring or assists. However, when he does have a goal-scoring opportunity, he takes it.

Rodri’s chances for the Ballon d’Or are strengthened by his crucial role in Manchester City’s recent successes and his importance to Spain’s national team. His influence as a deep-lying playmaker is highly regarded.

THE SENSATIONAL BELLINGHAM

Since joining Real Madrid in the last summer from Borussia Dortmund, the 21-year-old English sensation, Jude Bellingham has been exceptional, quickly becoming one of the standout performers in La Liga as well as the Champions League.

His midfield dominance, goal-scoring ability, and leadership qualities have been widely praised, gaining attraction from both critics and fans globally.

Similar with his impressive performance for his club side Real Madrid, Bellingham has become a vital player for the English national team- the three lions, often influencing games with his dynamic play and maturity beyond his years.

The 2023 KOPA award winner, known for his all-around midfield capabilities, including passing, tackling, and scoring, as well as his physical presence and tactical awareness has made fans and critics endear him in their hearts even labeling him as a top contender for the award.

At times, Bellingham might overextend in trying to cover too much ground, but his ability to recover is impressive. Bellingham’s consistent performances, coupled with his potential to lead Real Madrid to significant victories and his influence on the international stage, make him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.

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This year marks the first time in many years that the Ballon d’Or race will not include names like Lionel Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient.

This shift highlights the end of an era dominated by football’s greatest players and marks the first time two midfielders are among the top contenders for the award, which has long been dominated by attacking players.