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After England's failure in the Euro 2024 final, Jude Bellingham's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or have evaporated into thin air
Prior to the events of this summer, England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was considered the favourite for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, but the 21-year-old’s performances in the European Championship have put a damper on his chances of winning the award.
Bellingham’s England woes combined with two other factors mean that the Real Madrid star should no longer be considered the favourite for the Ballon d’Or.
Bellingham’s quiet Euros
Even in an England team struggling for quality, Bellingham failed to shine and was unable to take most games by the scruff of the neck.
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The Real Madrid star only made his presence felt in rare moments, such as his late goal against Slovakia, but even in that fixture, he was largely anonymous before his stunning overhead kick to extend England’s stay in Germany.
Beyond these moments, Bellingham was outshone in midfield by Declan Rice, and in attack by Bukayo Saka, even though he was meant to be the talisman for The Three Lions to further his Ballon d’Or charge.
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Bellingham’s failure to captivate the audience has likely put his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or in grave danger, with the award voters unlikely to consider his performance stirring enough to award him the coveted award.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or claim
Unlike Bellingham, another star midfielder has improved his own claim for the Ballon d’Or after claiming yet another Player of the Tournament award in the 2024 Euros.
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Rodri was in spectacular form as Spain charged to a record-fourth European Championship after beating Bellingham’s England in the final.
The Manchester City star appeared the best candidate for the Premier League’s Player of the Year award, which was contemptuously given to his Cityzens teammate Phil Foden, but he did not miss out on the big international prize, putting him back in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
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Rodri’s statements about more midfielders being recognised with individual awards seems to have struck a chord with the Euros organisers, and the same could happen with voters for this year's Ballon d’Or who could reward the influential Premier League and European champion with the prestigious individual award.
Lautato Martinez’ late push
With his strike in the final of the Copa America, Argentina and Inter’s Lautaro Martinez capped off a superb individual season that increased his chances of being named Ballon d’Or winner.
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The Argentine forward carried his country to Cooa America glory with an impressive five goals, despite starting only two games and finished as the tournament’s top scorer.
Lautaro was also named Serie A MVP after finishing as top scorer in Italy with 24 goals as Inter won back the Scudetto in emphatic fashion.
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With victories in the Serie A, Supercoopa Italiana, and now the Copa America, and Lautaro starring in all these victories, the Argentine forward would also be in for a shout at the Ballon d’Or as the best player or the last season.
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