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Tag: Ballon d’Or

  • Ousmane Dembele tipped to win Ballon D’Or after victory over Inter Milan

    Ousmane Dembele tipped to win Ballon D’Or after victory over Inter Milan

    Paris Saint-Germain manager, Luis Enrique, has said Ousmane Dembele will be a worthy winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or award.

    Enrique stated this while speaking to TNT Sports after his team crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in Saturday’s Champions League final.

    Although the France winger did not get on the score sheet, his manager was full of praise for how the 28-year-old played against Inter.

    “I’d give the Ballon d’Or to Ousmane Dembélé,” Enrique told reporters.

    “The way he defended tonight… only that can be worthy of the Ballon d’Or.

    “This is how you lead a team. Goals, titles, leadership, defending, how he was pressing.

    “Ousmane is my Ballon d’Or. No doubts at all.”

    Alongside the Barcelona’s forwards Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, Dembele is one of the strong frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or.

    Dembele has contributed 33 goals and 15 assists in all competitions as PSG completed a historic Treble this season.

  • Mbappe will not win Ballon d’Or, he’s a failure – Rothen

    Mbappe will not win Ballon d’Or, he’s a failure – Rothen

    Former Paris Saint-Germain winger Jerome Rothen has insisted that Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has failed and he should have stayed with the Ligue 1 wide.

    Mbappé joined Real Madrid last summer as a free agent and has made 49 appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 4 assists. The Frenchman currently sits as the club’s top scorer in his debut season in Spain and has the chance to win both La Liga and the Copa del Rey as the season comes to a close.

    Despite this potential success, Rothen spoke on RMC Radio about the Frenchman who he believes should never have moved to Los Blancos who were shockingly knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal this week.

    “People are talking about Kylian Mbappé. He arrived at his dream club with the ambition of winning every trophy, including the Champions League, and also of being among the best players in the world and winning the Ballon d’Or.

    “Collectively and individually, he is a failure. He will not win the Ballon d’Or this year. He is a resounding failure.”

    He continued: “At the start of the season, mitigating factors were found. He could have had time to adapt, but when you’re Mbappé, the adaptation time is shorter.

    “He scored a lot of goals, but in the game he’s catastrophic.”

    After knocking out Aston Villa, PGS advanced to the semi-final,s where they will meet Arsenal later this month. The French side have already won Ligue 1 whereas Mbappe has a slim chance of winning La Liga due to Barcelona’s dominance. His move could prove that the grass isn’t always greener in football and even a move to Madrid may not pay off in the long run.

  • Jurgen Klinsmann backs Kane as Ballon d’Or contender

    Jurgen Klinsmann backs Kane as Ballon d’Or contender

    Jurgen Klinsmann has expressed that Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane should be regarded as one of the top contenders for the upcoming Ballon d’Or.

    The England international has been in excellent form for the Bavarians in the 2024-25 season, and as a result, the 1990 World Cup winner believes he has a strong chance of succeeding Rodri.

    “If you go at least into the final four, probably if you win the Champions League, it kind of comes along,” Klinsmann told the media on Monday.

    Michael Owen was the most recent English player to win the Ballon d’Or, claiming the award in 2001.

    Bayern are currently six points ahead of defending champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, with six games remaining, putting Kane on course for the first title of his career.

  • Ballon d’Or banner gave me strength – Vinicius

    Ballon d’Or banner gave me strength – Vinicius

    Vinicius Junior claimed Manchester City’s fans’ banner fired him up after playing a starring role in Real Madrid’s dramatic Champions League victory at the Etihad Stadium.

    The visiting side were greeted by a huge flag before Tuesday’s play-off first leg at the Etihad Stadium, poking fun at the Brazilian’s runners-up finish to City midfielder Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or award and Real’s boycott of the ceremony.

    Yet it was Real who had the last laugh as the banner backfired badly, with Vinicius enjoying a superb game as the Spaniards twice came from behind to win 3-2.

    Vinicius told Movistar: “I saw it, I saw the banner. Whenever the opposing fans do things like that they give me more strength to have a great game and here I have done it.”

    The banner displayed a huge picture of Rodri kissing his trophy alongside the message ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ – a song title by City-supporting band Oasis.

    City manager Pep Guardiola claimed he had not seen the banner and instead lamented his side’s latest failure to hold onto a lead in what has been a frustrating campaign.

    The hosts twice led with Erling Haaland strikes but they were cancelled out by Kylian Mbappe, and former City youngster Brahim Diaz before Jude Bellingham grabbed a stoppage-time winner.

    Real will now be heavy favourites to progress to the last 16 when the sides meet at the Bernabeu Stadium next week for the return clash.

    Guardiola said: “After (it went) 2-1 what happened was a resume of a little bit of this season. In so many games it has happened against Feyenoord, against Sporting Lisbon, against Brentford in the Premier League and Man United.

    “Many games we have given away at the end. Unfortunately it has happened many times and at this level (that makes it) so difficult.”

    After sweeping almost all before them in recent years, this season has been a big comedown for City and Guardiola admits he is currently not able to restore the intensity that previously made them formidable.

    “We have been an extraordinary team, an incredible machine every three days in these years.

    “But if the opponent is better the opponent is better and at the moment I’m not able to give the composure to the team, to manage this kind of situation.

    “I don’t have a problem accepting that it doesn’t work like it worked in the past and it’s down to all of us – me first and the players as well.”

    In spite of the defeat, Guardiola is not writing off the tie.

    “We’ll try,” he said. “You have to continue. We’ll learn and, with fresh minds, fresh legs go for them.”

  • I had no hint I’d win Ballon d’Or – Rodri

    I had no hint I’d win Ballon d’Or – Rodri

    Manchester City midfielder Rodri insists last season wasn’t the best of his career.

    Rodri spoke to L’Equipe after being confirmed the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner on Monday night in Paris.

    He said, “When they said my name, I had no information, obviously none. They had not told me anything, I had not received any communication. I was attending the ceremony like everyone else. This means a lot. I can only enjoy the moment, it is also extremely gratifying. It is an immense gift.

    “My previous season was better than the one just gone, even if this last one was almost perfect. There were important moments. I never thought I could repeat it. I never believed I could reach this level, but with a recovery of form and power, and many matches without losing, then with the victory at the European Championships, there I started to believe.”

    On Real Madrid snubbing the gala after learning Vinicius Junior would not be winning the award, Rodri added: “I’m not in their shoes, it’s their decision. They decided not to come and we have to accept that. I’m focusing on my club. I’ll go and celebrate this recognition with them.”

    Tribalfootball

  • Cole Palmer can challenge for Ballon d’Or if… – Zola

    Cole Palmer can challenge for Ballon d’Or if… – Zola

    Chelsea great Gianfranco Zola says Cole Palmer is capable of winning the Ballon d’Or in the future.

    Palmer has been likened to the Italian over the past week.

    The attacking midfielder has scored 32 goals and provided 20 assists in 56 competitive games for Chelsea.

    And Zola liked what he saw in Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat at the weekend.

    “The pass he hit to (Pedro) Neto for the first goal… it was a brilliant pass. I see a lot of things like this in his games that I used to work with. Being able to see the pass before receiving the ball. It is a quality he develops a lot,” the Italian told the Daily Mirror.

    “I saw this skill a lot yesterday (Sunday) and I’m impressed because the majority of players want to do something when they get the ball. But if you know what you’re going to do with the ball before you receive it, it’s like putting yourself ahead of the opponent. I was really impressed with him. I promise you, one of the biggest compliments I can pay a player is (when I see) this kind of quality.”

    However, Zola believes Palmer still has things to develop.

    “One thing he can certainly work on is physique. He can be a little faster and maybe a little stronger in one-on-ones. I know he has a very quick mind. He will need to get his body a little faster.

    “And if he does, he can be in (and challenge for) the Ballon d’Or because the numbers and the skills are there. There is still work to do but potentially he can do it (win). He has a very, very good coach to work with in (Enzo) Maresca and I’m sure he’ll make sure he works with that.”

  • Man City’s star wins Ballon d’Or for best player in the world

    Man City’s star wins Ballon d’Or for best player in the world

    Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world on Monday evening.

    He beat Brazil’s Vinicius Jr and England’s Jude Bellingham, both of Real Madrid, to the prestigious prize.

    Barcelona’s Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women’s award for a second time.

    Rodri, a first-time winner of the award, was instrumental in helping his team win an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League trophy last season.

    He was also named best player at this year’s European Championship after Spain lifted a record-extending fourth title.

    The 28-year-old Madrid native is the first defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or since Lothar Matthaus in 1990 and the third Spaniard to claim the prize after Alfredo Di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez (1960).

    While the award has been dominated by Spanish league players, no Spaniard had won since Barcelona great Luis Suarez more than 60 years ago, despite Spain’s “golden generation” that won the 2010 World Cup, the 2008 and 2012 Euros.

    But Rodri, the player City coach Pep Guardiola said is “the best midfielder in the world”, finally ended that run with a unique skillset that has made his club the dominant force in England and helped Spain rule Europe again.

    “Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football, for so many players who have not won it and have deserved it, like (Andres) Iniesta, Xavi (Hernandez), Iker (Casillas), Sergio Busquets, so many others.

    ” It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder,” Rodri said on stage at the ceremony.

    “Today many friends have written to me and have told me that football has won, for giving visibility to so many midfielders who have a job in the shadows and today it is coming to light.

    “I’m a regular guy with values, who studies, who tries to do things right and doesn’t try to follow the stereotypes and even so I have been able to get to the top, and it is thanks to all of you.” he added

    Rodri became the third person not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the award since 2008.

    It was the first time since 2003 in which neither Messi nor Ronaldo made the final 30-man list of nominees.

  • Fighting racism led to Ballon d’Or defeat – Vinicius

    Fighting racism led to Ballon d’Or defeat – Vinicius

    Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr said on Monday that he will keep on fighting racism even if his activism is what led to him not winning the Ballon d’Or, sources close to the player told Reuters.

    Vinicius took to social media after finishing second in the prestigious award voting behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodriguez.

    “I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” Vinicius posted on X after his LaLiga side Real Madrid cancelled their plans to attend the ceremony in Paris, boycotting it in anticipation of the Brazilian not winning the men’s award.

    Asked what Vinicius meant with his post, his management staff told Reuters that he was referring to his fight against racism.

    They believe it was what led to him not winning the award, saying that “the football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.”

    The 24-year-old Brazil international has been subjected to racial abuse on several occasions in Spain, leading to at least two convictions for racist insults in pioneer cases in the country.

    Real also won the men’s club of the year award, and their manager Carlo Ancelotti was named men’s coach of the year after winning the European and Spanish league double in a near perfect campaign last season.

    France Football, which organises the Ballon d’Or awards, was not immediately available for comment.

    The awards are based on voting by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries.

    “FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro,” Real’s Eduardo Camavinga posted on X.

    While several other teammates shared messages with photos of Vinicius saying “You are the best”.

    “I waited all year for Vini Jr to be deservedly recognised as the best player in the world and now they come to tell me that the Ballon d’Or is not for him?” Brazilian women’s great Marta said in a video on Instagram.

    Vinicius was instrumental in Real’s Champions League-LaLiga double along with 21-year-old Jude Bellingham, who scored 19 goals in a sparkling debut campaign and helped England reach the Euro 2024 final, and came third in the Ballon d’Or ranking.

  • Ballon d’Or: Super Eagles celebrate Ademola Lookman

    Ballon d’Or: Super Eagles celebrate Ademola Lookman

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles have sent a message of congratulations to winger, Ademola Lookman after emerging at 14th position in the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or award on Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lookman, who plays for Italian Serie A side, Atalanta, emerged at 14th position in the the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or award behind Spain’s Dani Olmo in 13th position and above Nico Williams in 15th place.

    “We celebrate our own ‘Adebobo’ @Alookman_. We are proud of you Ade, congratulations,” a post on Super Eagles X handle reads.

  • BREAKING: Ademola Lookman finishes Ballon d’Or race in 14th position

    BREAKING: Ademola Lookman finishes Ballon d’Or race in 14th position

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman has finished the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or award ranking in 14th position, behind Spain and FC Barcelona’s midfielder, Dani Olmo, who ranked at the 13th place for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the winner of the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or award will be revealed today in Paris, France after the 30-man shortlist for the award was first released in September, with Lookman, who plays for Italian Serie A side, Atalanta, shortlisted.

    However, announcement made so far indicate that Lookman finished the ranking in 14th position, only behind Olmo, who followed Florian Wirtz, in 12th place, in the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or award ranking, while Phil Foden is ranked at the 11th place.

    Meanwhile, Lookman ranks above Nico Williams in 15th place, Granit Xhaka in 16th place, Fede Valverde in 17th place, Emi Martínez in 18th place, Martin Odegaard in 19th place and Hakan Calhanoglu in the 20th place.

    Watch Ademola Lookman at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards below: