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Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has shared his feelings about his 2024 Ballon d'Or ranking and revealed that he expected a higher finish. The Uruguayan was part of the Los Blancos team that cantered to the LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana titles last season. He also helped his country to a third-place finish at Copa America 2024.
The midfielder has been a vital part of the Spanish outfit since he joined the club in 2016 from Penarol for a reported €5 million fee. He has made 275 appearances for the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners.
Speaking about his 17th place finish in the race for the coveted award by French Football, Valverde said on Universo Valdano (via Madrid Xtra on X):
"Ballon d'Or ranking? I expected to be a little higher, but it was a tremendous honor. I was very happy, although I expected to be a couple of positions higher, I don’t ask for much more."
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The midfielder and his club delegation boycotted the award ceremony in protest of his Brazilian teammate Vinicius Jr.'s failure to win the final prize, which was awarded to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
"It is obvious that the Ballon d'Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid" - What Los Blancos said in protest of Rodri beating Vinicius Jr. to award
Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony upon learning that Manchester City midfielder Rodri had beaten Vinicius Junior to the Ballon d'Or award. The midfielder became only the second Spaniard and the first since Luis Suarez in 1960 to win the award.
The Spanish giants were furious that their Brazilian forward, who enjoyed a barnstorming campaign, did not win. They boycotted the event despite claiming two podium places at the awards.
Speaking via an unnamed source to AS (via GOAL), the reigning LaLiga champions said:
"If the criteria of the award do not proclaim Vinicius the winner, those same criteria must proclaim Carvajal the winner. Since this has not been the case, it is obvious that the Ballon d'Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid is not where it is not respected."
Rodri had also enjoyed a remarkable campaign. He helped Pep Guardiola's Manchester City retain the Premier League title for the fourth time in a row and helped his nation win their fourth European Championship in the summer.
