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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has settled the Ballon d'Or debate during a chat with Nigerian legend John Mikel Obi.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has tipped Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. to emerge as the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, snubbing his talented teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.
The Italian tactician, who was the special guest on Mikel Obi's latest podcast, weighed in on the hotly contested race for the prestigious individual accolade, with three of his Real Madrid stars firmly in the running.
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Ancelotti speaks to Mikel Obi
"In my opinion, I think who is going to win is Vinicius because he is a talented player, and he did really well last season," Ancelotti declared confidently.
Vinicius, 24, was the driving force behind Real Madrid's domestic and European dominance last term, scoring 24 goals and providing 9 assists as Los Blancos clinched the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy.
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The Brazil international's standout performances in the latter stages of the Champions League campaign have seemingly made him Ancelotti's favourite to claim the Ballon d'Or in 2024.
“He’s a talented player and young, (has) good image, I think, can improve,” he added. “He won the league (LaLiga, won the Champions League, scoring in the semis and final.”
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However, Vinicius faces stiff competition from his Real Madrid teammates, with teenage sensation Jude Bellingham and seasoned right-back Dani Carvajal also firmly in the running.
Bellingham, who joined Real from Borussia Dortmund in a blockbuster deal this summer, was named La Liga's Player of the Year in his debut season, contributing an impressive 23 goals and 13 assists.
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Meanwhile, Carvajal, the least glamorous name on the list, played a pivotal role in Real's impressive campaign, scoring the all-important goal in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
The Spaniard was also instrumental in his Spain's successful European Championship triumph against England in Germany.
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While Ancelotti has backed Vinicius to clinch the Ballon d'Or, the race remains wide open, with Bellingham and Carvajal more than capable of upsetting the Brazilian's bid for the coveted individual award.
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