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Lautaro Martinez can win the Ballon d'Or this year ahead of Real Madrid players, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The Argentinian striker is among the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award, with the winner set to be announced on October 28.
Martinez enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign with Inter Milan, helping them win the Serie A title. The 27-year-old ended the campaign with 27 goals and seven assists from 44 games across competitions.
He won the Paolo Rossi Award for finishing as the top scorer in the league. Not one to rest on his laurels, the Argentinian helped La Albiceleste win the Copa America 2024, also ending the tournament as the top scorer.
Understandably, Lautaro Martinez is in with a shout for Ballon d'Or 2024, but he will face severe competition from Real Madrid players. This year's nominee list is heavily dominated by Los Blancos, with six players from the club in the running for the award.
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The Spanish giants enjoyed tremendous success last season, winning the La Liga title as well as the Champions League. As such, a Real Madrid player could end up winning the coveted award this year, with Vinicius Junior actually one of the favorites in the race.
However, one shouldn't forget Rodri, who also enjoyed an impressive campaign for club and country. The Spaniard helped Manchester City win the Premier League last season and powered La Roja to the Euro 2024 title in the summer.
Guardiola has previously admitted that he would like a player from the Etihad to win the Ballon d'Or. However, speaking recently as cited by All About Argentina, the Spanish manager acknowledged that Martinez could win the prestigious award as well.
"Lautaro Martínez can definitely win the Ballon d’Or; I'd rather a Man City player won that accolade, but he is a sensational player. If you are a captain, a forward, and you play with Argentina, the World Cup champions and Copa América winners, you have to be a special player, otherwise, it’s difficult," said Guardiola.
The Argentinian is yet to find the back of the net in three games this season.
Can Vinicius bring the Ballon d'Or to Real Madrid this year?
Vinicius Junior enjoyed a stunning 2023/24 campaign with Real Madrid and could be Lautaro Martinez's main competition for the Ballon d'Or. The Brazilian scored 24 goals and set up 11 more from 39 games across competitions.
He was adjudged the 2023/24 Champions League Player of the Season. However, the 24-year-old's underwhelming run with the Selecao at Copa America could hurt him in the final race.
