“This year, the Ballon d’Or should have been divided” - Ex-Real Madrid forward makes interesting claim on 2024 award controversy

Former Real Madrid player Joselu has added another spicy conversation to the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. The Spaniard reckons that the individual prize should have been divided, claiming Dani Carvajal was also deserving of the award.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ended controversially as Rodri pipped Vinicius to claim the coveted prize. Months before the event, Vini was rumored to be the frontrunner for the accolade. Things took a twist as rumors emerged hours before the ceremony that Rodri would claim the prize, which consequently sparked several reactions in the football world.

Rodri was eventually named winner while Vinicius came second in the rankings. England midfielder Jude Bellingham came third while Carvajal was in the fourth position. However, Joselu thinks that Carvajal was also deserving of the award for his achievements with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team in the year in review. He said in an interview with DAZN (via Mundo Deportivo):

“It is clear that, well, you already know who should have won the Ballon d’Or for me… For me, Carva (Dani Carvajal). I have a lot of appreciation for Rodri, I have great affection for Vini as well. But Dani was my favourite, for everything he achieved individually, for what he gave to his club and the national team. This year, the Ballon d’Or should have been divided.”

Joselu left Real Madrid in the summer and currently plies his trade with Qatari side Al-Gharafa.

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"They have tried and tried to invalidate me’’ – Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr aims dig at critics after Ballon d’Or snub

Vinicius Jr took a swipe at his critics after he was named the best FIFA Men’s Player for 2024, beating Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and teammate Jude Bellingham. The Brazilian was the favorite to win the award after guiding Los Blancos to glory in LaLiga, the UEFA Champions League and Supercopa de Espana last season.

He won the award with 48 points — five points ahead of second-placed Rodri and 11 points ahead of Bellingham. After the Real Madrid winger was named the winner, he sent a message to those who didn’t vote for him to win the Ballon d’Or this year. He wrote on his social media (via ESPN):

"Today I write to the child who has seen so many idols lift that trophy. His time has come. Or rather, my time has come. The time to say ... yes, I am the best player in the world and I have fought hard for it.

"They have tried and tried to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not ready. No one is going to tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave. When I was at São Gonçalo, the system didn't care about me. It almost swallowed me up.

"I won for myself, for my family. With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian national team, my hundreds of teammates over the years ... the people who accompany me every day in my routine, those who admire me ... The best player in the world."

Vinicius scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 games across competitions for Real Madrid last season.