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Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has picked his compatriot - Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior - as the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner ahead of his club teammate Rodri. The winner will be announced in Paris on October 28.
Vinicius is a strong favourite for the prestigious accolade following a superb season with Los Blancos. The 24-year-old bagged 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions, helping his team win three titles, including the La Liga-UEFA Champions League. He also helped Brazil reach the 2024 Copa America quarter-final.
Meanwhile, Rodri has also boosted his Ballon d'Or credentials after a silverware-filled season with club and country. After helping City win an unprecedented Premier League four-peat and two other titles, he won Euro 2024 with Spain.
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However, Ederson has tipped Vinicius to win this year's Ballon d'Or and not Rodri, explaining (as per TNT Sports Brazil via Madrid Xtra):
“Ballon d’Or? I hope Viní Jr wins it. He deserves it for everything he did last season.”
Rodri contributed nine goals and 14 assists in 50 games across competitions as Pep Guardiola's side won their sixth Premier League title in seven years last season.
They also won the FIFA Club World Cup and reached the FA Cup final and the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, losing to eventual winners Real Madrid on penalties.
What Manchester City boss said about 2024 Ballon d'Or contender Rodri's injury
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has had an injury-plagued start to the season. He played just thrice across competitions before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in the 2-2 Premier League home draw with Arsenal last month.
In the press conference before the Newcastle United league clash, City boss Pep Guardiola admitted that the season is over for Rodri (as per Sky Sports):
"He had surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus. Next season he will be here. This season is over (for him). It is what it is."
"Unfortunately, we got the worst (news), but it is what it is at this level. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are just there to support him and (help him make a) good recovery, step by step, and move forward."
Guardiola concluded:
"What he gives us, we don't have a similar player but the other players altogether can replace what Rodri has given since arriving here with us. What he gives us, we don't have a similar player but the other players altogether can replace what Rodri has given since arriving here with us."
The 2024 Ballon d'Or contender, has 26 goals and 30 assists in 260 appearances across competitions for City.
