Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards have all decided who they think should win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
The prize is widely considered to be the trophy that crowns the ‘best player’ in the world each year.
This year’s ceremony will take place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday, 28 October, and several big names are expected to attend.
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There is extra emphasis on the award this year, given the fact it is the first year since 2003 that either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi are not included in the nominee list.
The pair boast a combined 13 Ballon d'Or triumphs between them, with Messi sporting three more (eight) than Ronaldo’s tally of five.
However, this year, there will be a new winner, and the ex-Premier League players turned CBS pundits have given their verdict.
Both Richards and Henry went for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who is currently nursing a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury, which will likely keep him out for the rest of the season.
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“People forget about midfielders and what they do,” Henry told CBS.
“They’re the heart of the team. He is the heart of Manchester City.
“I know he didn’t win the Champions League [last season], but he won the Euros [with Spain].”
Former Liverpool defender Carragher disagreed with the Frenchman, explaining how he thought Vini Jr deserved the award.
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His decision was no doubt influenced by the fact the 24-year-old scored a second-half hat-trick in Madrid’s 5-2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening.
“I’d go for Vini Jr,” said Carragher.
“They [Real Madrid] won the Champions League, which is the biggest thing in club football.
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“It’s difficult for Rodri because of the position he plays…very few players probably win it in that position – whether you’re a defender or a holding midfield player.
“Of course, maybe he could win it, maybe he should win it, but it’s always the attacking players – that’s why they get paid the big bucks.
“They’re the ones who go for the big transfer fees, they’re the ones who excite people – get people off their seats,” he added.
However, fellow CBS panel member and ex-Man City defender Micah Richards agreed with Henry’s choice of Rodri.
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“Rodri would still get my vote for last season,” he explained.
The Brazilian winger is currently the favourite to pick up the award having been a key man in Los Blancos’ La Liga and Champions League double-winning season last term – scoring in the final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in June 2024.
However, Henry cited Vini Jr’s less-than-impressive showing in the summer’s Copa America as the reason he did not choose the Madrid man.
“Vini Jr didn’t perform at the Copa America," Henry added.
“But is he [still] a worthy winner? Yes.”
Topics: Ballon d'Or, Football, Premier League, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr, Rodri
Luke Davies