Juventus defender Gleison Bremer has played down the Ballon d’Or prospects for Inter Milan superstar Lautaro Martinez.
During an interview with German news outlet Bild, as reported by FCINterNews, Bremer took a dig at last season’s Serie A top scorer.
Martinez won the Capocanninere award in 2023/24 en route to inspiring Inter to their landmark 20th Scudetto.
Unwilling to rest on his laurels, he made an immense contribution to Argentina’s second consecutive Copa America title in the summer.
The 27-year-old won the Golden Boot in the United States-held tournament as Lionel Scaloni’s side defended the title.
Based on his stellar scoring exploits, Lautaro Martinez has emerged in Ballon d’Or conversations, albeit as a dark horse.
However, Inter’s gut-wrenching last-16 elimination to Atletico Madrid in last season’s Champions League diminished his chances.
Real Madrid’s formidable duo Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are the leading candidates to claim the flattering award.
But Spain’s remarkable EURO 2024 victory could still flip the script, with Rodri reportedly taking the lead in the power ranking.
Juventus Star Gleison Bremer Adamant Inter Milan Superstar Lautaro Martinez Won’t Win Ballon d’Or
Despite Rodri’s standout performances at the Euros, Bremer believes the most prestigious individual award will return to Brazil.
In fact, he endorses his compatriot Vinicius Junior for the prize.
“Neither Rodri nor Lautaro, the Ballon d’Or will have to return to Brazil,” Bremer was explicit.
“Vinicius last season showed his exceptional skills at Real Madrid and he showed that he deserves it.”
Bremer and Vinicius share the dressing room at the national team.
However, Brazil flopped at the 2024 Copa America, while Martinez’s Argentina climbed to the podium again.
Elsewhere, Rodri led Spain to another continental success.
Despite Manchester City’s Champions League quarter-final exit, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rodri wins the award.
After all, he’s been the most dominant midfielder in Europe in the past few years.