by our correspondent Filippo Maria Ricci
October 28, 2024 (changed at 10:04 am) – MADRID
The Ballon d’Or as a magnificent consolation for the slap taken by Barcelona on Saturday. The large Real delegation leaves this morning for Paris, heading towards Théâtre du Châtelet, between Les Halles, the Louvre and the Seine. In the lead is Florentino Perez, who hopes to accompany yet another Madridista to victory. Then Carlo Ancelotti, fighting (and ahead) for the best manager award. Then Bellingham, Lunin, Rudiger, Valverde and the injured Carvajal. And him, above all him: Vinicius Junior, the greatest candidate for the final victory in this Ballon d’Or which marks the beginning of a new era. For the first time since 2003, the list of finalists does not include Leo Messi (8 titles) and/or Cristiano Ronaldo (5). And among the 30 selected there isn’t even one who has already won the trophy.
national penalties
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Today a cycle opens, and Vinicius wants to take the keys. The last Brazilian to triumph was Kakà in 2007, after Ronaldinho in 2005 and Ronaldo the Phenomenon in 2002. Stars of a Brazil that has been suffering on an international level since that time. Here, the Seleçao’s woes are the only real flaw in Vinicius’ candidacy. Brazil in the America’s Cup this summer went out in the quarterfinals against Uruguay, is clearly suffering in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the Madridista is unrecognizable in the national team: only scoring in one of his last 13 outings and receiving much criticism in his homeland . However, he was fundamental in winning the “double” of Madrid, La Liga and Champions League (with a double in the semi-final and a goal in the final) and was passionately and emotionally committed to the fight against racism.
points and criteria
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The 100 jurors must put down their top 10: first 15 points, last 2. For fear of a leak, the organization managed by France Football and UEFA canceled the usual interview with the winner before the award of the award by moving the chat to after the ceremony. And preferences must be sent only and directly to the director of the French magazine. For this reason, there remains a margin of doubt, or suspense, about the winner of the trophy. There are three criteria reported to voters to indicate their preferences: 1. Individual performance, with attention to the player’s personality: decisive and notable. 2. Performances and achievements of the teams they belong to. 3. Class and fairplay.
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the candidates
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Vini competes with a handful of teammates and rivals. The Spaniards Rodri and Carvajal, the first champion of England for the fourth consecutive year and both European champions with Spain. Then there is another Madridista, Jude Bellingham, European Championship finalist with England after a memorable first season with 23 goals with Madrid. And Lautaro Martinez, who won the Scudetto with Inter and the Copa America with Argentina as the king of strikers. The position of Mbappé and Haaland is less qualified.
