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“Rodri Deserved 2023 Ballon d’Or but Vinicius Deserved 2024” – Ancelotti

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Manchester City’s Rodri should have won the 2023 Ballon d’Or. Speaking ahead of his team’s Champions League clash against City, Ancelotti shared his thoughts on past and present award winners.

Lionel Messi took home the 2023 Ballon d’Or, finishing ahead of stars like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri, who placed fifth. But in 2024, the Manchester City midfielder finally claimed the prize, beating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, who finished second and third.

That result didn’t sit well with the Madrid camp. In protest, the club, including Ancelotti, skipped the awards ceremony in Paris. While the Italian coach praised Rodri’s talent, he made it clear that he felt Vinicius should have been the 2024 winner.

“I don’t think skipping the ceremony was a bad decision,” Ancelotti said. “We believed Vini Jr. was the rightful winner. But that doesn’t mean we don’t respect Rodri. He’s a fantastic player, and in our view, he should have won it the year before.”


 

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Barcelona want to send Rashford back to Man United as he is struggling to perform

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Barcelona is reportedly weighing up the possibility of cutting short Marcus Rashford’s loan spell just weeks after bringing him in from Manchester United, according to El Nacional.

Rashford, who made the switch to Spain in July after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, has found life at Camp Nou difficult to adapt to. The England international had already been sidelined from first-team training at United alongside Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia before sealing the move.

However, his early days in LaLiga have not gone as hoped. Barca chiefs are said to be unimpressed with his form and are now considering sending him back to Manchester. Rashford has featured in their opening three league matches but was hauled off at halftime in the clash against Levante, where Barcelona trailed 2-0 before pulling off a stunning 3-2 comeback.

Rashford was expected to inject fresh energy into Barcelona’s attack, but the pressure is already mounting as the club questions whether the loan was the right call.


 

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Chelle leaves out Troost-Ekong and picks Ndidi as captain as Super Eagles face Rwanda

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Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has made a bold call ahead of today’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, leaving out skipper William Troost-Ekong from the starting lineup.

Youngster Benjamin Fredericks will line up alongside Calvin Bassey in the heart of defence, with Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi taking up the full-back positions.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi is set to wear the armband and anchor the team, working alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi. Up front, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will spearhead the attack, flanked by Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman on the wings. The clash started at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo by 5:00 pm Nigerian time.


 

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Chelle calls Lookman the best in Africa as Super Eagles get ready for Rwanda WCQ

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Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has heaped praise on Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, calling him the best player in Africa as the team prepares for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo. Chelle defended his decision to bring Lookman into the squad despite his lack of recent game time, stressing that the Atalanta star’s quality and influence cannot be overlooked.

“Talking about Lookman, honestly, how do you make a squad list without the best player in Africa?” Chelle told reporters at his pre-match briefing. “It’s my responsibility to decide how much he can play, whether it’s five minutes or sixty. But leaving him out isn’t an option. I have full confidence in him.”

Lookman, who was crowned African Footballer of the Year and came close to a move to Inter Milan during the summer, has not featured for club or country since May 25. He had been working on his own fitness before linking up with the Super Eagles in camp. Nigeria will be counting on his spark and experience as they face Rwanda in a match that could decide their World Cup hopes.


 

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