Who deserves the 2024 Ballon d'Or? Three clear candidates and a 'hidden gem'

Real Madrid's season has been superb, to the point that it could sneak three of its players into the top 3 of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, which will be awarded on October 28.

However, it does not seem to be clear as to who will be the final winner of the prestigious individual award. So far, there are three solid candidates... but there is a 'hidden gem' amongst the final candidates, can you guess?

The Brazilian forward presents himself as the top candidate after his remarkable season with Real Madrid. He has been sensational, and his stats have been stratospheric. Despite being injured for two months this season, Vini scored 24 goals and gave 10 assists in 39 games, according to Transfermarkt.

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But if Vini has stood out for something this season, it is his remarkable ability to lock in and snatch a positive outcome in dire straights.

The Englishman landed at the Santiago Bernabeu as another future start for 'Los Blancos'. His season at Real Madrid closed with 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games, in addition to League, Super Cup, and the UCL title, with an assist to Vini in the second goal of the final, according to Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, the Euro 2024 has not done Bellingham any justice. Sadly, the English midfielder struggled to put on the same performances.

His season has been excellent. He has dominated his right-back position, taming any opposition that steps near him. The Spanish defender has enjoyed an injury-free season, and he is proving why he is one of the best defenders in the world right now.

Carvajal is in the discussion for being the best right back in history, after winning the League, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League, and Euro 2024. This victory opened the doors of the Ballon d'Or for him, could we see a defender win the prestigious title?

He has matured, he has improved and, today, he is the best midfielder in the world. His hierarchy makes him dominate the midfield, serving as the heartbeat for La Roja and Manchester City. Rodri sets the pace and the ball gracefully moves around the pitch to his tempo.

Funny enough, Rodri has won everything with City, including a Champions League. Nevertheless, he was not even considered as a candidate during the 2023 Ballon d'Or, which was later given to Leo Messi...

Toni Kroos was another of the names on the table. The veteran midfielder sealed a magnificent decade with Real Madrid, winning everything under the sun. Nevertheless, the German tried to squeeze in one last dance with the German national team but fell short to Spain in the quarterfinals.

World-class talents, regardless of nationality, position, or race, must be recognized in the greater name of football. For the sake of this beautiful sport we all love... May the best man win.

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