“How can Vini be favourite above him?” - Liverpool legend Steve Nicol picks 2024 Ballon d'Or winner

Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol believes Jude Bellingham is ahead of his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Others, including defender Dani Carvajal and Euro 2024 champion Rodri, are also in the conversation for the award.

However, for the ESPN pundit, England sensation Bellingham will most likely run away with the honor. He made a stunning €103 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.

In his very first season with the Spanish giants, the 21-year-old won the UEFA Champions League and the La Liga titles. He contributed with 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances across competitions from a midfield role.

Bellingham also helped his nation reach the final of the European Championships, scoring two goals and assisting one in seven appearances. Meanwhile, Vinicius had a below-par Copa America. Although he scored twice, Brazil suffered a quarter-final elimination to Uruguay.

Making matters worse, he was absent from the quarter-final encounter due to suspension. Pointing this to be the difference between the duo in the race for the Ballon d'Or, Nicol told ESPN FC:

"Bellingham (should win the Ballon d'or). How can Vini be a favorite above Bellingham? Vini didn't (have a good run) in Copa and he got suspended."

While Vinicius did not enjoy the best of international seasons, he was pivotal in Real Madrid's success this campaign. The Brazilian played 39 matches across competitions, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists. He even scored in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

---

Manchester City star believes Rodri should win 2024 Ballon d'Or

Rodri for Spain

Manchester City star Rico Lewis believes his club teammate Rodri deserves to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The Spain international was the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 and won the Premier League in the 2023/24 season.

Together, the pair have played 35 matches across competitions for the Cityzens and are yet to record a joint goal contribution. Speaking to reporters, Lewis said (via Manchester Evening News):

"Personally, I think he should win it. For the past three or four years, he's been so good. He's been one of the best in the world for a while now. It's difficult for a holding midfielder to win it but he showed with the goals, the assists - he does everything. There is no reason why he shouldn't win it."

Last season, Rodri played 34 Premier League matches for Manchester City and scored eight goals while assisting nine times. He also netted once for Spain at Euro 2024 in six outings.