the most unlikely votes

We now know all the results of this 2024 Ballon d'Or which saw Rodri be crowned ahead of Vinicius Jr by 41 small points. This is a very small gap between the two big favorites, proof, if any were still needed, that the opinions of the 99 voters were particularly divided. The Spaniard appeared in the lead 49 times compared to 35 for his competitor. Enough to infuriate Real Madrid, which refused at the last moment to send its delegation to Paris.

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However, there is no great scandal in preferring the Spanish midfielder, brilliant winner of the Euro and the Premier League, to the Brazilian, decisive in the victory in the Champions League but more timid in the Copa America. Some have undoubtedly criticized him for his not always impeccable state of mind on the pitch. This is also the 3rd rating criterion after individual and collective performances, and the prize list.

Norway forgets Haaland, Nigeria favors Lookman

There is therefore room for interpretation and sometimes it is everyone's taste that prevails. The Argentine and Ecuadorian voters, for example, placed Toni Kroos in the lead, ahead of Rodri and Vinicius for the first, and the Brazilian and Nico Williams for the second. Why not after all, as the German was so brilliant at the end of last season with Real Madrid, and during the Euro. He also finished 9th in the final ranking, ahead of Williams in 15th.

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The South Korean representative chose an astonishing podium with Erling Haaland (who was not even named in his top 10 by Norway, unlike Martin Odegaard), ahead of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. Lautaro Martinez, 7th in the ranking, received the preferences of Trinidad and Tobago, but the prize undoubtedly goes to the Nigerian journalist, a bit chauvinistic. The latter voted in favor of Ademola Lookman, before Vinicius and Bellingham.

Japan fan of Xhaka

After all, the Atalanta striker (14th in the final ranking) scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Lerverkusen of a certain Granit Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder is also 3rd among the Japanese journalist and finishes in a nice 16th place for the Ballon d'Or. Like every year, certain votes may make you smile even if it is undoubtedly a true conviction.