Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal is happy to be on the Ballon d’or list of nominees. Many players also believe that fullback deserves to be considered a contender for the award. “It’s clear that, being a defender… In football, what stands out are the goalscorers,” he told The Athletic.  “But well, with the possibility of winning it I am very happy, it refers to the great year I had last year. My family and I are very proud.” Carvajal added, “I have until next summer on my contract. I’m not considering retirement at the moment. I talk about it with my family: I want to enjoy every game, every training session. As the years go by, you realise you have to give more value to every moment and enjoy it,” he revealed to The Athletic. “The relationship I have with the club is very transparent, very clear. If both parties agree to continue, I hope to stay here for many years.”

Barcelona midfielder Pedri is happy to be back in good health. Back with Barca this week, Pedri suffered a knee strain during the 2024 Euros. He recalled: “When I felt the pain in my knee I was scared  because I had also seen what happened to Gavi. I have had several injuries, they are very hard times and thank God I have been lucky. It was a small thing compared to what could have been and now we are perfect. “Did it cost me my vacation? Yes, especially during the vacation I had to work hard, I had to recover well to try to get to that first game and finally I did it. A lot of work with physiotherapy, physical preparation… But hey, that’s what I did. During the vacation I worked hard and I had to recover well to be able to play the first championship game.” On Spain winning the Euros, Pedri added: “In addition to being a dream for every Spaniard, for me, who is still at the beginning of my career, it means a lot of motivation for what is to come, a lot of confidence and above all a dream come true. You are always the same person, but it is true that it gives you a lot of confidence. “There are many players who retire and fail to win and I think that is a source of pride. We are also the team that has the most and this is felt in Spain.”