Former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has made a bold prediction for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or remains a hot topic within the football world, with legends, fans, and observers making bold predictions ahead of the award in October.
Recently, Pulse Sports reported that ex-Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has backed Vinicius Junior to win the award but James Rodriguez is going in another direction.
![Magical night — Mbappe reacts after silencing Ademola Lookman, Atalanta with debut goal](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15082024/b8aafcde-047f-4637-98ef-5c7871f0f953.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
10:16 - 15.08.2024
Magical night — Mbappe reacts after silencing Ademola Lookman, Atalanta with debut goal
Kylian Mbappe has reacted to his goalscoring debut for Real Madrid against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.
Rodriguez backs Carvajal to win Ballon d'Or
The former Real Madrid and Everton man believes Dani Carvajal deserves to win the coveted award.
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15072024/44d0497b-9265-4e6e-8952-c8ed12d4cae9.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/02062024/7c72de51-c0e2-4d61-850f-7717fa1d6870.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Rodriguez pointed out that the defender won titles with Real Madrid and Spain last season.
Carvajal won the LaLiga and Champions League with Real, before beating England in the Euro 2024 final.
He said Yahoo Sports: “Ballon d’Or? If it’s for titles, Dani Carvajal. He fought for everything and played well.
“Bellingham? I don’t know. And Vinicius, well, he’s had the Copa America…”
Carvajal faces stiff competition for the award, with teammates Jude Bellingham and Vinicius favoured ahead of him, and of course Spain's Rodri also in the running.
Bellingham had an outstanding season, establishing himself as a key player for Real Madrid, while Rodri was instrumental in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, finishing as the tournament's best player.
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