The picture of this year's Ballon d'Or is beginning to take shape now that UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa America are over. Even though everyone is talking about the attackers, we are going to put focus on why Dani Carvajal deserves to win the prestigious individual accolade this time around.
The seasoned full-back's never-say-die mentality and capacity to totally neutralize his mark have been crucial components in Madrid and Spain's title exception campaigns in 2024. After a truly remarkable season with Los Blancos, Dani Carvajal checks all the boxes in terms of trophies and talent level. As an extra bonus, he got the opener during the UEFA Champions League final.
At UEFA Euro 2024, he was additionally nearly flawless for Spain; the only blemish on his record is a red card in the quarterfinals, but even then, his pulling down of a rival only guaranteed his team an advantage.
Despite Spain's "golden generation," which captured the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2008 and 2012 Euros, no Spanish player has taken home the coveted accolade for greatest player in the world since Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez in 1960. Instead, Spanish league players have dominated the competition with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo possessing 13 of those between them.
With players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who hold the record for most goals scored in a game, England possessed the most in terms of star power, but Spanish skill emerged as the tournament's young player of the year in Berlin. Two minutes after the second half began, Lamine Yamal put through Nico Williams for his team's first goal.
Rodri believes a Spanish player should win Ballon d’Or now
The Manchester City midfielder was asked about who leads the race for the Ballon d'Or this year. He said that, "Spanish football deserves a Ballon d'Or winner. I'm going to be honest, I would like for a Spaniard to win it, I don't care who. It would be great."
The former Atletico Madrid player also said that Dani Carvajal deserves to win the prestigious award. He said, "I've heard that (Champions League winners Real Madrid's) Dani Carvajal also deserves it. From an individual standpoint, I'm very proud of what I am doing and the recognition I'm getting. But someone else has to make that assessment."