Opinion: Five Real Madrid players who can win the Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid, a club synonymous with greatness, has a rich history of producing Ballon d’Or winners. Legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modrić have all brought the prestigious award back to the Santiago Bernabéu. As we look to the future, the question arises: which current Real Madrid players are most likely to win the Ballon d’Or ?

Vinícius Júnior: The Rising Star

One of the most exciting prospects for the Ballon d’Or is Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian winger has developed remarkably since joining Real Madrid. His dazzling dribbling, blistering pace, and improving goal-scoring abilities have made him a key player for both club and country.

Vinícius’s performances in the Champions League, especially during Real Madrid’s triumphant 2021/2022 campaign, have demonstrated his ability to shine on the biggest stage. If he continues to improve his finishing and consistency, he could be a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or in the coming years.

The 23-year-old is currently the favorite to win this year’s coveted award in France after an impressive season: scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists for Real Madrid.

Jude Bellingham: The Midfield Maestro

Another potential candidate is Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder has taken the football world by storm since his move to Real Madrid. His composure, vision, and maturity beyond his years have already drawn comparisons to some of the greats.

Bellingham’s versatility and ability to influence games from midfield make him an invaluable asset. If he can maintain his trajectory and add more goals and assists to his repertoire, he could find himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation. In his first season at the Madrid-based club, the 21-year-old managed to score an impressive 23 goals, assisting 13 times in the course of the campaign.

Rodrygo Goes: The X-Factor

Rodrygo Goes is another young talent who could potentially win the Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian forward has shown glimpses of his incredible talent, particularly in the Champions League, where he has a knack for scoring crucial goals.

Rodrygo’s technical skills, intelligence, and calmness in front of goal set him apart. With more opportunities and consistent performances, he could emerge as a strong candidate for the prestigious award.

Arda Guler: The Dynamic Prodigy

Arda Guler’s rise has been meteoric. The Turkish sensation’s dynamism, offensive capabilities, and ball-carrying skills have made him a standout performer. His versatility, allowing him to play in various attacking roles, adds to his value.

His potential is immense, and if he continues to develop his game and contribute significantly to Real Madrid’s successes, he could become a contender for the Ballon d’Or in the future.

Kylian Mbappe: The Delayed Gold

The French icon has been tipped to win the prize awarded yearly by France Football since his breakthrough season in 2016/2017. However, he has never been on the highest step at the Theatre du Chatelet. His move to Real Madrid this summer might signal the start to his first ever Ballon d’Or.

While individual talent is crucial, several factors influence the Ballon d’Or race. These include:

Team success

Winning major trophies, especially the Champions League, often boosts a player’s chances.

Consistency

Regular high-level performances in domestic and international competitions are essential.

Impact

Memorable moments and clutch performances in key matches can sway voters.

Narrative

The storyline surrounding a player’s season, including personal achievements and overcoming challenges, can play a role.

Real Madrid boasts an array of talented players who could potentially win the Ballon d’Or in the coming years. Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe each have the qualities to become the next Real Madrid player to lift the prestigious trophy. As they continue to develop and contribute to the club’s success, the football world will be watching closely to see who emerges as the next Galáctico to be crowned the best player in the world.