Felix Magath, the former Bayern Munich manager, has issued a bold prediction for the Ballon d'Or, naming Marc Cucurella as his top choice ahead of more fashionable contenders. The unconventional ranking challenges conventional wisdom in football's most prestigious individual award race.
Magath's top three selections all feature Spanish national team players, with Real Madrid's left-back Cucurella claiming first place, followed by Barcelona's Rodri and Paris Saint-Germain's Fabian Ruiz. According to reports from German newspaper Bild, the 28-year-old defender earned the honour through his commanding displays at left-back, combining defensive solidity with attacking thrust.
Why Cucurella Stands Out
The Real Madrid full-back impressed Magath with his rare ability to excel on both flanks of the pitch—defensively and offensively. "He is a world-class player in the left-back position, always present, strong in running, and rarely fails in any tackle," Magath said of the Spanish international. The former Bayern coach highlighted Cucurella's role in Spain's World Cup victory as a defining moment that cemented his case for football's most coveted individual prize.
What separates Cucurella from traditional attacking stars, Magath argues, is his consistency in balancing defensive responsibilities with creative support. He maintains defensive solidity while pushing forward to build attacking moves, a quality that has become increasingly valuable in modern football's demanding tactical systems. His fitness levels and physical presence in one-on-one situations set him apart among defenders competing for individual honours.
Spain's Midfield Dominance
Magath's selection reflects the current strength of Spanish football. Rodri earned second place as the engine of Spain's midfield, praised for orchestrating play, linking defence to attack, and controlling match tempo. The Barcelona midfielder's ability to dictate rhythm has made him indispensable to the national team's system, according to the German coach's assessment.
Third place went to Fabian Ruiz, the 30-year-old PSG midfielder, who Magath credited with bringing balance and stability to the Spanish setup. The coach pointed to Ruiz's Champions League achievements as evidence of his quality at the highest level, reasoning that domestic and international success should factor into Ballon d'Or considerations.
While Magath's prediction diverges sharply from mainstream predictions dominated by forwards and wingers, his emphasis on defensive and midfield excellence reflects a growing appreciation for all-around player contribution in modern football. The Ballon d'Or voting may yet reveal whether established media narratives or a more holistic assessment of player performance will prevail this season.
