Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho names 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee who he wishes to play with the most

The Ballon d'Or awards were handed out on Monday night (October 28), with Spain and Manchester City defensive midfielder Rodri winning the men's 2024 award. The event saw numerous footballers in the crowd, cheering for their colleagues as they went up on the stage to receive their respective accolades.

Among the spectators was Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. When he was quizzed outside the Theatre du Chatelet about which 2024 Ballon d'Or nominee he would like to play with, he surprised everyone and named Rodri (via City Report):

"Play with? With Rodri."

Rodri was not a favorite to win the Ballon d'Or award this year as Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was touted to win it. However, in the 12th hour, it was revealed that Rodri would win the individual award.

As a result, Real Madrid boycotted the event. Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti, who won the best men's football coach of the year award (the inaugural Johan Cruyff Award), was not at the venue. Neither was any Real Madrid representative.

Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile is a vital player for Manchester United. Fans often claim that his style of play and even his celebrations remind them of Red Devils legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

Garnacho is also an ardent follower of Ronaldo, who has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award five times. However, Garnacho's international teammate Lionel Messi has won the most Ballon d'Or awards (8).

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Who were the top nominees for men's football in Ballon d'Or in 2024?

Vinicius Junior was the hot favorite for the Ballon d'Or in 2024. The Brazil international was not the only Real Madrid player nominated. Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappe, and Toni Kroos were in the top 30 nominees.

Erling Haaland, who had a sensational season similar to Rodri at Manchester City ended fifth. Carvajal, currently out on a long-term injury, saw himself finishing third after Rodri and Vinicius. Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane ended 10th, while Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal finished eighth.

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, the highest goal-scorer in Argentina's Copa America winning campaign, was positioned seventh in the Ballon d'Or rankings for men's football.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe, finished sixth following his exploits for Paris Saint-Germain last season (44 goals in 48 games across competitions).