Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal believes he has a shot at winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2024. Carvajal’s name appeared on the 30-player shortlist for the award, which recognizes football’s top individual performer. The Ballon d’Or often favors players who have won multiple trophies during the season, even those in less glamorous positions.
Carvajal cited examples of players like Jorginho and Raphael Varane, who placed high in previous years due to their success in winning major tournaments. This year, contenders include Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodri. However, Carvajal stands out as he won La Liga, the Champions League, and Euro 2024.
Despite his impressive record of success this year, Carvajal faces an uphill battle to win the Ballon d’Or. Defenders rarely receive this honor; Fabio Cannavaro was the last defender to win it in 2006 after leading Italy to World Cup victory. Virgil van Dijk is the only other defender to have finished in the top three since then.
Looking back further into history reveals that only Roberto Carlos and Paolo Maldini made it into the top three as defenders since Matthias Sammer won it in 1996 after helping Germany win Euro ’96. However, goalkeepers such as Oliver Kahn, Gianluigi Buffon, and Manuel Neuer have achieved top-three finishes during that time period.
Carvajal expressed his excitement about being considered for such a prestigious award but acknowledged that just being part of the conversation is an honor itself. While his chances may be slim given historical trends favoring attacking players or goalkeepers for this accolade, Carvajal remains hopeful about his prospects for recognition on football’s biggest stage.
