Dani Carvajal’s exceptional 2023-24 season with Real Madrid and his performances at Euro 2024 make a compelling case for his consideration for the Ballon d’Or
His defensive excellence, versatility, leadership, and the recognition from his peers highlight his importance to both club and country.
While forwards and attacking midfielders often dominate the list of contenders, Carvajal’s candidacy serves as a reminder of the critical role that defenders play in a team’s success.
As football continues to evolve, recognizing the contributions of players like Carvajal will ensure that the sport’s highest individual honors truly reflect the diverse talents and skills that define the beautiful game.
Kylian Mbappe’s quest for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is filled with challenges and opportunities. While he is not currently the favorite, there are still paths to victory if he can deliver standout performances in the final stages of the Euros. His individual brilliance, coupled with team success, will be crucial in determining his fate.
Regardless of the outcome, Mbappe’s journey remains a captivating story in the world of football. His talent, ambition, and potential ensure that he will continue to be a prominent figure in the sport for years to come. The 2024 Ballon d’Or may or may not go his way, but Mbappe’s legacy is already being written, one goal at a time.
Also Read: Kylian Mbappé: Who Is He? Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Family, Personal Life and Promotion
Table of Contents
Joselu’s Consideration for 2024 Ballon d’Or
In the realm of football, the Ballon d’Or is considered one of the highest individual honors a player can achieve.1
Typically, forwards and attacking midfielders dominate the list of contenders due to their goal-scoring feats and flashy play.
However, Dani Carvajal, a right-back for Real Madrid and Spain, has emerged as a surprising candidate for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
This article delves into Carvajal’s exceptional season, his contributions to Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, and the reasons why he deserves consideration for this prestigious award.
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Real Madrid Triumphs
Dani Carvajal’s performance during the 2023-24 season with Real Madrid was nothing short of spectacular.
At 32, he was instrumental in helping his club secure a trio of major trophies: the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de Espana.
- UEFA Champions League: Carvajal’s defensive prowess and attacking support from the right flank were pivotal in Real Madrid’s journey to European glory. His ability to nullify some of the best attackers in the world while contributing to his team’s offensive plays showcased his versatility and importance to the squad.
- La Liga: In Spain’s top flight, Carvajal was a model of consistency. He played a crucial role in maintaining a solid defensive line, which was a key factor in Real Madrid’s successful campaign. His overlapping runs and precise crosses added an extra dimension to their attack, proving that he is more than just a defender.
- Supercopa de Espana: Carvajal’s experience and leadership were on full display as Real Madrid clinched the Supercopa de Espana. His performances in critical matches demonstrated his capability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to his team’s success.
Euro 2024 Performance
Carvajal’s excellent form carried over into the international stage at Euro 2024, where he helped Spain reach the semi-finals.
Despite facing some of the toughest teams in Europe, his defensive solidity and occasional offensive contributions were vital to Spain’s progress.
- Key Moments: Throughout the tournament, Carvajal made four appearances and even scored a goal, highlighting his ability to influence the game at both ends of the pitch. His performances were lauded by teammates and analysts alike, further cementing his reputation as one of the best right-backs in the world.
- Suspension: Unfortunately, Carvajal will miss the semi-final clash against France due to suspension. However, his absence underscores his importance to the team, as Spain will have to rely on the experienced Jesus Navas to fill the void left by Carvajal.
Joselu’s Endorsement
Praise from a Teammate
Joselu, Carvajal’s teammate for both club and country, has been vocal about his belief that Carvajal deserves to be in the running for the Ballon d’Or.2
Speaking to The Athletic, Joselu emphasized Carvajal’s outstanding performances at Euro 2024 and his crucial role in Real Madrid’s successful season.
- Deep Squad: Joselu highlighted that while Carvajal’s performances have been exceptional, Spain has a deep squad capable of coping with his absence. This remark underscores the high regard in which Carvajal is held by his peers.
Shared History
The two players have shared the pitch 105 times for club and country, contributing to seven joint goal involvements. This shared history and mutual understanding on the field further strengthen Joselu’s argument for Carvajal’s candidacy.
#EspañaFrancia pic.twitter.com/WDUAgS1TqC
— Joselu Mato (@JoseluMato9) July 9, 2024
Defensive Excellence
In a football world that often prioritizes flashy attackers for individual awards, Carvajal’s case is a reminder of the importance of defensive excellence. His ability to consistently shut down some of the world’s best wingers and strikers makes him a vital asset for any team he plays for.
- Versatility: Carvajal is not just a defender; his versatility allows him to contribute to the attack as well. His overlapping runs, accurate crosses, and occasional goals make him a well-rounded player who can influence the game in multiple ways.
Leadership and Experience
Carvajal’s experience and leadership qualities have been invaluable for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. At 32, he brings a wealth of experience to the table, which is crucial in high-stakes matches.
- Mentorship: Younger players in the squad look up to Carvajal for guidance, and his presence in the dressing room is a stabilizing factor. His leadership on and off the pitch makes him an indispensable part of any team he is part of.
Recognition of Defensive Players
The Ballon d’Or has historically favored attacking players, but there have been exceptions. Defenders like Fabio Cannavaro and midfielders like Luka Modric have broken the mold, proving that exceptional performances in other areas of the pitch can also be recognized.
- Changing Perspectives: Carvajal’s candidacy could further shift perspectives on what constitutes a Ballon d’Or-worthy season. His contributions to team success, defensive solidity, and occasional offensive exploits make a strong case for considering defenders for the award.
Also Read:Â Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti on Toni Kroos’ Retirement, Finale at Santiago Bernabeu and More
Kylian Mbappe: Journey to the 2024 Ballon d’Or
Kylian Mbappe, the dazzling French forward, has been at the center of footballing discussions for years.3
With his blazing speed, technical prowess, and goal-scoring ability, he has become one of the most electrifying players in the world.
As we approach the 2024 Ballon d’Or, a prestigious award given annually to the world’s best player, the debate about Mbappe’s chances is heating up.
Reputed journalist Robin Bairner recently shared his insights on this topic, suggesting that while Mbappe is not the front-runner, he still has a fighting chance if certain conditions are met.
The Current State of Affairs: Mbappe’s Performance in the Euros
Mbappe’s performance in the UEFA Euro 2024 has been a topic of mixed reviews. Despite France reaching the semi-finals, Mbappe’s contributions have been relatively modest, with only one penalty goal and an assist to his name.
This has led to some skepticism about his chances of clinching the Ballon d’Or this year.
Bairner commented on Mbappe’s current standing in the race for the Ballon d’Or, emphasizing the importance of PSG’s performance in the Champions League.
According to Bairner, Mbappe’s chances would have been significantly higher if Paris Saint-Germain had enjoyed a successful campaign in Europe’s premier club competition.
PSG’s Champions League Campaign
Paris Saint-Germain’s performance in the Champions League is often a critical factor in the Ballon d’Or race.
For Mbappe, a stellar showing in this competition could have been a significant boost. Unfortunately, PSG’s journey in the Champions League this season fell short of expectations, affecting Mbappe’s standing.
Despite this, Mbappe’s individual stats for the season are nothing short of remarkable. He scored 44 goals and provided 10 assists in 48 matches across all competitions for PSG.
These numbers highlight his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level, but they may not be enough to sway the Ballon d’Or voters if the team success isn’t there to back it up.
The Importance of the Euros: A Platform for Redemption
- The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament presents a crucial opportunity for Mbappe to bolster his Ballon d’Or credentials.
- Bairner pointed out that for Mbappe to be considered a serious contender, he would need to have an exceptional performance in the Euros, possibly scoring six or seven goals.
- With only one goal and an assist so far, Mbappe’s contributions have been underwhelming, putting additional pressure on him in the semi-finals and potentially the final.
- Regardless of the outcome this year, Mbappe’s journey is far from over. At just 25 years old, he has already achieved more than many players do in their entire careers.
- His growth and development as a player continue to be a fascinating aspect of his career. From his early days at AS Monaco to becoming a superstar at PSG, Mbappe’s trajectory has been meteoric.
- His experiences, both positive and negative, contribute to his evolution as a player. Whether he wins the Ballon d’Or this year or not, Mbappe’s future in football looks incredibly bright.
- His ambition, work ethic, and natural talent suggest that he will continue to be a central figure in football for many years to come.
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The Influence of Team Dynamics: France and PSG
Team dynamics play a crucial role in individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or.
For Mbappe, the support and synergy within the French national team and PSG are vital. At PSG, he has the advantage of playing alongside world-class talents like Neymar and Lionel Messi, which can elevate his game but also sometimes overshadow his contributions.
In the French national team, the dynamic is different. Mbappe is often seen as the focal point, and his performances are under greater scrutiny.
The way he navigates these different environments and leverages the strengths of his teammates can significantly impact his chances of winning individual awards.
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