Ballon d’Or 2024 : The unexpected choice of Federico Valverde surprises everyone

**Ballon d’Or 2024: Federico Valverde’s Unexpected Choice Stuns Everyone**

In an interview with *France Football*, Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde shocked fans by revealing his surprising pick for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Rather than supporting his high-profile teammates Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, or Dani Carvajal, Valverde named former teammate Toni Kroos as his preferred winner.

While many consider Vinicius Jr. a top contender for the award following Real Madrid’s triumphant La Liga and Champions League campaigns, Valverde expressed his admiration for Kroos, who retired at the end of last season.

Valverde highlighted how Kroos, along with Casemiro and Luka Modric, helped him mature, saying, “I would have given him the Ballon d’Or.”Valverde also expressed his personal ambitions, hoping to finish in the Top 15 of this year’s rankings while striving to improve year after year. This bold statement has sparked debate, with Valverde’s choice of Kroos surprising fans and media alike.