As the football world gears up for the prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony, Argentina's manager Lionel Scaloni has stirred the pot by naming a lesser-known contender for the coveted award. With the ceremony set for October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, many eyes are on the usual favorites, Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid and Rodri from Manchester City. However, Scaloni believes there's a more deserving player who has been overlooked in the conversation.
This unexpected twist in the Ballon d'Or dialogue comes as a surprise, especially considering the remarkable seasons both Vinicius and Rodri have had. Vinicius played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's triumphs, netting 24 goals across all competitions, while Rodri was instrumental in Manchester City's continued dominance in the Premier League and Spain's Euro 2024 victory. The anticipation surrounding the award is palpable, with fans and pundits alike eager to see who will ultimately take home the prestigious honor.
Scaloni's bold claim emphasizes the competitive nature of the Ballon d'Or and the diverse talents present in today's football landscape. As discussions heat up, the football community awaits to see if Lautaro Martinez, the 'forgotten' candidate, can steal the spotlight from the favorites.
Who Deserves the Ballon d'Or in 2024?
According to Eurosport, Vinicius had a stellar campaign for Madrid, scoring 24 goals and playing a crucial role in their La Liga and UEFA Champions League victories. His performance has made him a frontrunner for the award, showcasing his skills on the biggest stages.
On the other hand, Rodri's impact was felt both domestically and internationally. He helped Manchester City claim yet another Premier League title and was vital in Spain lifting the Euro 2024 trophy. His contributions solidify his position as a top contender.
Argentina Boss Picks 'Forgotten' Candidate as Ballon d'Or
Despite the strong claims for Vinicius and Rodri, Scaloni, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, has made a compelling case for Lautaro Martinez. He argues that the Inter Milan striker's accomplishments last season should not be overlooked.
Scaloni stated, as quoted by Sportskeeda: “He’s [Lautaro Martinez] had a spectacular year; he scored in the final, he was the top scorer of the Copa America, and he deserves it more than anyone. I hope he can get it. He’s a guy I really appreciate a lot, and hopefully, he gets this opportunity, which, if not now, will come later because he still has a huge future ahead.”
Does Lautaro Martinez Deserve to Win the Ballon d'Or?
Martinez's contributions were central to Inter's success last season. He captained the team to their 20th Serie A title, amassing 27 goals and seven assists across all competitions. His performance also earned him the Serie A Golden Boot, highlighting his value in the league.
Additionally, his international performance was impressive as he finished as the top scorer of the Copa America with five goals, including a decisive winner in the final against Colombia. His achievements put him firmly in the conversation for the Ballon d'Or.
Cafu Disagrees with Scaloni, Picks Vinicius
In a related discussion, Brazilian legend Cafu has voiced his disagreement with Scaloni, backing Vinicius to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. During an interview at the Festival dello Sport in Italy, Cafu expressed his belief in Vinicius' capabilities and potential to secure the prestigious award.
As the debate continues, the football community is eager to see how the Ballon d'Or ceremony unfolds and who will ultimately take the crown. Will it be the established stars like Vinicius and Rodri, or will Lautaro Martinez rise from the shadows to claim the honor?
Source: YEN.com.gh
