“You 6 can do it next year” - Toni Kroos pokes fun at Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Bellingham and other Real Madrid stars after 2024 Ballon d’Or nomination

Recently retired midfielder Toni Kroos has teased Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and his other former Real Madrid teammates about their Ballon d'Or nominations. The nominees for the 2024 award were announced yesterday, September 8.

The German star, who announced his retirement after the 2024 European Championship, has been included in the 30-player shortlist for the prestigious award. With him hanging up his boots, it is his last chance of winning the coveted trophy.

After the shortlist was announced, Real Madrid shared a post on their social media pages highlighting the seven nominees from the club.

Six of the seven players played for Los Blancos last season as they won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga title. Mbappe, the only exception, joined the club on a free transfer over the summer.

Kroos reshared the club's post on his Instagram story with the caption:

"Come on. You 6 can do it next year 😂"

Kroos' Instagram story

Kroos' bond with the club remains strong even after his retirement. Despite hailing from Greifswald in Germany, he continues living in Madrid.

Spain and Real Madrid dominate Ballon d'Or nominations

The list of nominees for the 2024 Ballon d'Or unsurprisingly included a plethora of Spain and Real Madrid stars.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have seven nominations including former midfielder Toni Kroos, new signing Kylian Mbappe, midfielder Jude Bellingham, and forward Vinicius Jr. The club's unsung heroes Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and Federico Valverde also feature in the 30-man shortlist.

Real Madrid were successful on both domestic as well as European fronts last season, winning four trophies. They lifted their 15th Champions League trophy alongside the La Liga title, Supercopa de Espana, and the 2024 European Super Cup.

Six members of Spain's Euro winning squad also made the shortlist, including Madrid's Carvajal. Barcelona's new signing Dani Olmo was joined by his club and international teammate Lamine Yamal.

Manchester City's Rodri, Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, and Bayer Leverkusen full back Alejandro Grimaldo were also named on the list. La Furia Roja won all their seven matches at the 2024 Euros, eventually beating England in the final.

The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced on Monday, October 28, in Paris.