Although the Ballon d’Or isn’t quite a popularity contest, there are more factors than just who has been the best player of the year when deciding who wins. Position, personality, and awards take a huge standing in the overall podium rank.
Therefore, it comes down to performing at the highest level possible. Still, it also always involves playing for one of the superclubs, doing something significant at the club level (often multiple things), and, in years when the schedule permits it, adding success at the international level. As the Ballon d’Or draws closer – it will be held this year in October- a narrative component encircles the front-runners and spans all of 2023–2024.
The 32-year-old right-back Carvajal may not seem like a favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, but he is one of just 12 players in the history of the sport to compete in and win the Champions League and European Championship in the same year. While he may not deserve to win it, he has earned a nomination for the following reasons.
1. Best In His Position
Photo: NurPhoto
Carvajal was not just a fringe member for Spain or Real Madrid. He formed an integral part of the team, providing both defensive cover and attacking threat from the right flank. Very few right-backs in the world can challenge for the top spot, with Kyle Walker being the notable mention.
2. Big Match Performances
He netted Real Madrid’s opening goal in the Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund and took the Man of the Match award as well. He also scored for Spain in a Euro 2024 group victory over Croatia and as mentioned, registered solid performances throughout the tournament.
3. Backed By Teammate
Instagram: @dani.carvajal.2
Joselu, who moved from Real Madrid to Al-Gharafa in Qatar last month, has given his backing to him after he started five of La Roja’s seven games in Germany. According to the AS, the striker stated of Carvajal, “I have always said it, he is the one who deserves it the most.”
It is important to note that this is not exactly an unbiased opinion, the two players came up through the academy together and are currently married to twin sisters, making them brothers-in-law.
4. No Messi Or Ronaldo
There has never been a rivalry quite like Messi and Ronaldo. These two men dominated football for years and posted unrealistic goal and assist figures. That is no longer the case as these men reach the end of their careers.
Carvajal’s biggest competition remains his own teammates. Winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League alongside the Spanish veteran, Vinicius and Bellingham have been mentioned as leading candidates for the game’s most prestigious individual award.
Vinicius contributed 36 goal involvements and Bellingham posted 33, the latter assisting the former for Los Blancos’ second goal in their UEFA Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund. There are shouts for Rodri and Lautaro Martinez after their performances for both their club and country.
5. Defenders Have Won The Award In The Past
Photo: Etsuo Hara
Is winning the Ballon d’Or impossible for a defender? No. Fabio Cannavaro won it in 2006 when he captained Italy to FIFA World Cup glory.
However, fourteen of the past 15 editions of the award have been won by an attacker, namely the iconic Duo Messi and Ronaldo. Midfielder Luka Modric is the only non-forward to win it in this period of time.
Dani Carvajal ticks every box from trophies to quality level, after a genuinely elite campaign with Los Blancos – and as a bonus, scored in the Champions League final itself. He has also been immaculate for Spain at the Euro 2024 as well. Recently, he added another piece of silverware in the form of UEFA Super CUP.
Unfortunately, according to the recent power rankings of the Ballon d’Or, he is quite far behind. So, the chances of him being the first full-back to win the award are very unlikely. However, he does at least deserve to be in the conversation.
The fact remains that Carvajal has nothing left to prove, history will remember this right back as one of the best of his generation and perhaps even of all time.
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