"I can only tell you that, if I’m not mistaken" - Real Madrid star refuses to answer Ballon d'Or question but gives honest opinion on award
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal recently shared his take on the coveted Ballon d'Or award despite dodging another question on the same. The Spain international came fourth in France Football's rankings for the coveted award this year.
Dani Carvajal had an excellent 2023-24 campaign as he won the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and the Supercopa de Espana with Real Madrid. He also notably scored in Los Blancos' 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UCL final.
The defender helped maintain 19 clean sheets in 41 appearances for Real Madrid across competitions last season. He also won the 2024 Euros with Spain.
In an interview with Esquire, Dani Carvajal addressed questions about the Ballon d'Or and whether he deserved the prestigious award. He said (via Managing Madrid):
"I’d rather avoid the question. I understand that you ask me but I’d rather avoid answering because I think that whatever I say could be misinterpreted. I can only tell you that, if I’m not mistaken, I think I’m the right-back who has finished highest in a Ballon d’Or ceremony. Beyond whether I deserve to win it or not, I’m very proud and so is my family."
Carvajal added:
“It does cross your mind. You think: ‘I have won everything, I have been important.’ But it is complex… you understand that from the position of right back, it is much more difficult to win a Ballon d’Or.”
Carvajal's compatriot and Manchester City star Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Real Madrid superstars Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham came second and third, respectively, in the rankings.
It is worth noting that Vini Jr. was eventually considered the favorite to win France Football's prestigious honor. However, Los Blancos' delegate boycotted the ceremony held in October this year when the Brazilian did not receive the award.
"It was unfair" - Cristiano Ronaldo on Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr's Ballon d'Or snub
During the Globe Soccer Awards on December 27, Portuguese maestro and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or was unfair. Ronaldo added that Los Blancos superstar Vinicius Jr. deserved the award.
"In my opinion, he [Vinicius] deserved to win the Golden Ball. It was unfair in my opinion. I say here in front of everybody. They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final. You know these galas, they always do the same thing," Ronaldo said. (via GOAL)
Vini Jr. notably won the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and the Supercopa de Espana with Real Madrid last season. He also recorded 25 goals and 12 assists in 40 outings across competitions for the Merengues.
Ronaldo is the second-most successful player in the history of the Ballon d'Or awards with five to his name. He is second only to Lionel Messi, who holds a record eight Ballons d'Or. Four of Ronaldo's Ballons d'Or came during his stint with Los Blancos and one while he was at Manchester United.
