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James Rodriguez gives his view on this year's Ballon d'Or winner

Former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has given his take on who should win the Ballon d'Or 2024 and his choices might not be that shocking.

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Saatvik Oberoi
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James Rodriguez, the Colombian captain, is searching for a new team after dominating the Copa America 2024 during the summer. The 33-year-old has become a free agent after recently terminating his agreement with Brazilian team Sao Paulo. Rodriguez was a special guest on a well-known Colombian influencer's live Twitch stream last week because he didn't have a team to report to.

The former Real Madrid offensive midfielder spoke with Pelicanger, a Medellin-based streamer, for an hour and forty-three minutes during which they covered a wide range of subjects. The midfielder was asked by people in the chat to name the greatest player he has played with during  his career. He said, “It’s difficult. I’ve played with so many freaks.”

The former Bayern Munich attacker was questioned about who would win this year’s Ballon d’Or trophy. He said, “If I had won the Copa America, I’d be right there.”  He added that, “My Ballon d’Or 2024 favorites? For me, If it’s for titles, Dani Carvajal. He fought for everything and played well. Bellingham? I don’t know. Vinicius? His Copa América was not good…”

He was also questioned whether he thinks striker Radamel Falcao is among Colombia’s best-ever players? The playmaker replied without any hesitation, “Without a doubt. He’s up there with me.”

When is the official Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony?

The Ballon d'Or, the most coveted individual accolade ceremony in the sport of football, will take place in Paris on October 28, according to a statement made last month by UEFA, the event's new organizer. On September 4, the nominations will be made public, allowing voters to take into account the women's football tournament in Paris, the UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa America, and the men's football competition.

After leading Real Madrid to both the UEFA Champions League as well as La Liga titles, superstars Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Toni Kroos are probably going to do well in the polls. After defeating Lyon in the final, Barcelona won the Women's Champions League thanks to goals from former Ballon d'Or recipients Aitana Bonmatí and Alèxia Putellas.

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