Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has picked out three players who he thinks deserve the Ballon d’Or ahead of him.
This summer, after the conclusion of Euro 2024, which was held in Kroos’ home nation of Germany, the midfielder decided to call time on his career.
During his time as a player, the 34-year-old played for Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Madrid.
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Along with Casemiro and Luka Modric, Kroos was part of one of the most talented midfield trios in world football.
Kroos made a total of 465 appearances for Madrid, scoring 28 goals and winning five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles among other trophies.
Speaking recently, Kroos picked out three players who deserve to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award ahead of himself.
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As reported by TNT Sports, Kroos said to TVE: “The Ballon d’Or is not important to me.
“If someone from Real Madrid wins it, I’m fine. Vini deserves it, Jude deserves it and [Dani] Carvajal deserves it, but I don’t care.”
He continued: “I’m very good. If I decide something it’s that, I’m convinced and I do it. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t cost me. In the end it’s football, we suffer with other things in life.”
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The 2024 Ballon d’Or award is set to be given out on Monday, October 28, at the Theatre du Chatelet in France.
Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are the frontrunners to claim the award, with the likes of Rodri, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Dani Carvajal all in the running.
Back in June, Bellingham said: “I’m not really too fussed about it.
“I always felt that those awards were like for strikers and wingers, the flashy players. I know I can entertain the crowd but no-one can do it like Vini. When he is at his best, he’s the best player in the world.”
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Meanwhile, Rodri said: “A Spaniard deserves to win.
“Spanish football deserves a Ballon d’Or winner. Spain deserves to win a Ballon d’Or.”
Topics: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid, Ballon d'Or, Football
Marcus Chan