Carvajal was Real Madrid’s surprise hero in their Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund and the 32-year-old has carried that form over to the international stage with Spain in their Euro 2024 triumph in Germany. As such, Joselu believes Carvajal should be the favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, ahead of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodri, who have been tipped as the most likely to win the prestigious individual award.
Bellingham and Vinicius also played a major role in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs, but their lackluster performances at the Euros and Copa America respectively paved the way for Rodri, who spearheaded Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and Spain’s Euro run. However, Joselu believes Carvajal is the best of the three.
Carvajal Ballon d’Or?
In an interview with AS, Joselu said: “I’ve always said it, he (Carvajal) is the one who deserves it the most. He’s won everything there is to win, he’s scored goals, he’s been important, he was MVP in the final (at Wembley)… It would be more than deserved. He would fully deserve it.”
Carvajal is not expected to play again until the start of the regular season, having been given an extended holiday due to his participation in the Euros. He will probably not return to training until August, when the Real Madrid squad returns from its pre-season tour of the United States.
