Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham: Former Real Madrid Star Names ‘Favourite’ for Ballon d’Or.
Former Real Madrid striker Emmanuel Adebayor has shared his insights on the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, naming Vinicius Junior as his top pick ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Adebayor, who had a stint with Real Madrid in 2011, has been particularly impressed by Vinicius Junior’s exceptional performances this season. The Brazilian winger has been a standout player, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s successes on the field. With 23 goals and 11 assists in 37 matches across all competitions, Vinicius has been instrumental in Madrid’s journey to the Champions League final.
The competition for the Ballon d’Or has intensified, especially with the elimination of Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich and Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals. This has left Vinicius and Bellingham as two of the leading contenders for the prestigious award.
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Jude Bellingham, in his debut season with Real Madrid, has also made a remarkable impact. The young English midfielder has matched Vinicius’s goal tally with 23 goals and has provided 12 assists, showcasing his versatility and importance to the team. His ability to influence games from the midfield has not gone unnoticed, making him a strong candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
In a recent interview with Marca, Adebayor expressed his admiration for the top contenders, stating, “I love Mbappe. I am very close to his family, but what Vinicius is doing now is simply incredible. Jude Bellingham has also been outstanding for several months, but right now, Vinicius stands out.”
Adebayor continued, “If you ask me today, I would tell you that I am going with Vinicius, but things can change quickly in football. Today, Vinicius is the favorite because of his consistent performances and his ability to turn games around. His mentality of never giving up, regardless of the situation, is what sets him apart. He has been demonstrating this resilience for several years.”
Despite PSG’s early exit from the Champions League, Kylian Mbappe has had an extraordinary season. The French forward has netted 44 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions, reinforcing his reputation as one of the world’s best players. His prolific scoring record keeps him in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or, even though his team did not reach the final stages of the competition.
The race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or remains open, with each of these players showcasing remarkable talent and determination. As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see who ultimately claims football’s most prestigious individual award.
