Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati has backed three players to claim the men's Ballon d'Or award this year. The 28-year-old midfielder, who won the women's version in 2023, believes Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain pair Rodri and Pau Cubarsi merit the prestigious honour.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Bonmati made a compelling case for Messi's credentials. "I would give it to Rodri, for example, to Messi, why not, partly because of what he has shown at 39 years old in the World Cup," she said.
The Barcelona star leaned towards a defensive option if forced to pick between her three nominees. "If I have to choose someone, Rodri or Cubarsi, because Canavaro also won a World Cup playing as a centre-back and Cubarsi has had a great World Cup to deserve it," Bonmati added.
The award ceremony takes place in October, with several elite performers in contention. Alongside Messi, Rodri and Cubarsi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal and Michael Olise are all expected to feature in the final voting.
Bonmati's endorsements carry weight given her own recognition at the highest individual level. Her backing of Cubarsi as a World Cup-winning centre-back reflects the Barcelona midfielder's belief that defensive excellence deserves recognition alongside attacking prowess.
