Not Harry Kane, not Lamine Yamal! Thomas Müller reveals his two favourites for the Ballon d_Or
Not Harry Kane, not Lamine Yamal! Thomas Müller Reveals His Two Favourites for the Ballon d'Or
The race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or is reaching its fever pitch, and as the footballing world debates who deserves the ultimate individual accolade, few voices carry as much weight as that of Thomas Müller. The Bayern Munich veteran and German footballing icon has seen it all—from World Cup triumphs to Champions League glory. In a recent discussion that has sent ripples through the sporting community, Müller bypassed the record-breaking exploits of his teammate Harry Kane and the meteoric rise of Barcelona’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal to name his two frontrunners for the prestigious trophy.
The Post-Messi and Ronaldo Era: A New Frontier
For nearly two decades, the Ballon d'Or was largely a private conversation between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, 2024 marks a definitive shift in the landscape. With Messi playing in the MLS and Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, the stage is set for a new protagonist. Thomas Müller, known for his analytical mind and "Raumdeuter" (space investigator) instincts on the pitch, believes the criteria for winning the award have shifted back toward collective success combined with individual clutch performances.
While many fans expected Müller to back Harry Kane—who enjoyed a statistically monstrous debut season in the Bundesliga—or perhaps the young Lamine Yamal, who dazzled at Euro 2024, Müller’s choices reflect a deep appreciation for the "engine room" and the "big-game hunters." According to the German legend, the two players who stand above the rest this year are **Rodri** and **Vinícius Júnior**.
Why Not Harry Kane or Lamine Yamal?
To understand Müller's selection, one must first look at why he excluded the popular choices. Harry Kane’s season was, by all individual metrics, a resounding success. He secured the European Golden Shoe and shattered scoring records in Germany. However, Müller’s logic often aligns with the harsh reality of the Ballon d'Or: trophies matter. Despite Kane’s goals, Bayern Munich finished the season without silverware, and England fell just short in the Euro 2024 final.
On the other hand, Lamine Yamal represents the future. His performances for Spain at the age of 16 and 17 were historic, helping La Roja secure the European Championship. Yet, Müller suggests that the Ballon d'Or remains an award for established dominance over a full calendar year. While Yamal is a lock for the Kopa Trophy (best young player), Müller believes the main prize requires a level of season-long consistency and Champions League impact that Yamal is only just beginning to explore.
Rodri: The Unbeatable Metronome
The first of Müller’s picks is Manchester City’s Rodri. The Spanish midfielder has redefined the role of the "number 6." In Müller’s view, Rodri is the brain of the most dominant club side in the world and the heartbeat of the European champions. Rodri’s influence isn't just found in goals or assists—though he has contributed those in vital moments—but in his ability to control the tempo of a game and prevent the opposition from playing.
Müller pointed out that Rodri’s unbeaten streak (spanning over 70 games for club and country at one point) is a statistic that cannot be ignored. Winning the Premier League yet again and being named the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 makes Rodri a candidate that appeals to the "purists" of the game—those who value tactical discipline and the foundations of victory.
Vinícius Júnior: The Ultimate Game-Changer
Müller’s second favourite is Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. If Rodri represents stability, Vinícius represents chaos and brilliance. The Brazilian winger was the driving force behind Real Madrid’s double-winning season, clinching both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His performance in the latter stages of the Champions League, particularly his goal in the final at Wembley, solidified his status as the best big-game player in the world right now.
Thomas Müller highlighted that in the modern game, the "wow factor" is essential for the Ballon d'Or. Vinícius provides that in abundance. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one, his improved finishing, and his leadership in the absence of Karim Benzema have made him the focal point of the world's most successful club. For Müller, Vinícius embodies the "spark" that wins championships.
Comparing the 2024 Ballon d'Or Frontrunners
To better understand why these players are topping the lists of experts like Thomas Müller, we can look at their respective contributions across the 2023/24 season. The following table highlights the key metrics that define their candidacies.
| Fitur/Aspek | Rodri (Manchester City/Spain) | Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid/Brazil) |
|---|---|---|
| Major Trophies | Premier League, Euro 2024, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup | UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Supercopa de España |
| Individual Awards | Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament, Club World Cup Golden Ball | UCL Player of the Season, La Liga Team of the Season |
| Key Statistics | 92% Pass Accuracy, 9 Goals, 14 Assists (All Comps) | 24 Goals, 11 Assists, 112 Successful Dribbles |
| Defining Moment | Dominating the Euro 2024 Final midfield vs England | Scoring the second goal in the 2024 UCL Final |
| Müller's Take | The "unbeatable" tactical anchor. | The most dangerous offensive threat in Europe. |
The "Müller Criteria": Tactical Intelligence Over Hype
Thomas Müller has often been vocal about the Ballon d'Or's tendency to favour flashy attackers over tactically vital players. He famously felt that his former teammate Robert Lewandowski was "robbed" in 2020 and 2021. This year, his endorsement of Rodri suggests a desire to see the award return to recognizing the players who make their teams function, rather than just those who finish the moves.
However, by also including Vinícius Júnior, Müller acknowledges that football is ultimately a game of goals. Vinícius's ability to carry the pressure of the Real Madrid crest is something Müller respects immensely. As a player who has spent his entire career at one of the world’s biggest clubs, Müller knows that performing consistently under the Bernabéu spotlight is a feat in itself.
The Impact of Summer Tournaments
The 2024 Ballon d'Or will be heavily influenced by the summer's international tournaments. This is where Rodri gained a significant edge. While Brazil struggled in the Copa América, Spain marched to glory in Germany. Rodri’s role in that Spanish squad was indispensable. He was the veteran presence in a young team, the calm amid the storm.
Müller noted that while Vinícius had a better club season in terms of trophy count (the Champions League is often weighted more heavily than domestic leagues), Rodri’s international success might tip the scales. The "Not Harry Kane" sentiment from Müller stems from the fact that Kane’s lack of an international trophy—despite a brilliant tournament individually—remains the missing piece of his puzzle.
What About Jude Bellingham?
While Müller focused on Rodri and Vinícius, the name of Jude Bellingham often enters the conversation. Bellingham’s first half of the season was perhaps the best individual start any player has ever had at Real Madrid. However, Müller’s analysis seems to suggest that Bellingham’s slight dip in goal-scoring form in the latter half of the season, combined with England's Euro final loss, puts him slightly behind his teammate Vinícius and the Spaniard Rodri.
Müller’s perspective is that of a "player's player." He looks for who is hardest to play against. In his recent interviews, he has hinted that playing against a team anchored by Rodri is a "90-minute nightmare," whereas defending against Vinícius is "constant anxiety." These are the traits that, in Müller's eyes, define a Ballon d'Or winner.
The Evolution of the Ballon d'Or Voting
The voting process has changed in recent years, with a greater focus on individual performance and "decisive character" rather than just career longevity. This suits both Rodri and Vinícius. For Rodri, being the decisive character means ensuring his team never loses. For Vinícius, it means being the one who scores when the stakes are highest.
Thomas Müller’s "revelation" serves as a guide for many voters who are still undecided. When a legend of the game speaks, the footballing world listens. His dismissal of the "hype" surrounding Lamine Yamal (for now) and the "pure stats" of Harry Kane shows a preference for a more holistic view of football excellence.
Conclusion: A Two-Horse Race
As we approach the ceremony in Paris, the debate will continue to rage. Will the voters reward the tactical perfection of Rodri, or the electrifying brilliance of Vinícius Júnior? According to Thomas Müller, you can't go wrong with either, but they are certainly the two names that should be at the top of every ballot.
Regardless of who takes home the "Golden Ball," 2024 will be remembered as the year the guard finally changed. Whether it’s the midfield master or the Brazilian flair merchant, the new king of football will have earned their crown in a season defined by intense competition and tactical evolution. And as for Thomas Müller? He’ll likely be watching with the same analytical eye, already preparing for the next season's battles in the Bundesliga and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why did Thomas Müller not pick Harry Kane for the Ballon d'Or?
While Müller acknowledges Kane's incredible scoring record, he believes the lack of team trophies for both Bayern Munich and England in the 2023/24 season hurts Kane's chances in a year where others won major titles like the Champions League and Euro 2024.
2. Does Lamine Yamal have a chance to win the Ballon d'Or 2024?
Lamine Yamal is considered the heavy favourite for the Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player). However, for the main Ballon d'Or, experts like Müller believe he is still too young and needs to prove his dominance over a longer period compared to veterans like Rodri or Vinícius Jr.
3. Who is the current favourite to win according to bookmakers?
As of late 2024, Vinícius Júnior and Rodri are the two favorites. Vinícius is favoured for his Champions League heroics, while Rodri is a strong contender due to his Euro 2024 victory and Premier League title.
4. When is the Ballon d'Or 2024 ceremony?
The ceremony is typically held in late October at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the winners for the men's and women's categories, as well as the Kopa and Yashin trophies, are announced.
SEO Meta Tags Summary: Thomas Müller Ballon d'Or 2024, Rodri vs Vinícius Jr, Harry Kane Ballon d'Or snub, Lamine Yamal ranking, Football news today, Bayern Munich news, Real Madrid vs Manchester City Ballon d'Or race.
Not Harry Kane, not Lamine Yamal! Thomas Müller reveals his two favourites for the Ballon d'Or
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