Aleksandar Pavlović is not afraid to dream big. The Bayern Munich midfielder has admitted that winning the Ballon d'Or is something he thinks about, while also throwing his support behind teammates Harry Kane and Michael Olise in the race for football's most prestigious individual award.
Speaking to Sport Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia ), Pavlović pointed to Rodri's 2024 triumph as proof that defensive midfielders can receive the recognition their position deserves.
"It's nice to know that a defensive midfielder [Rodri] can win the Ballon d'Or. I'd be lying if I said it wouldn't be my dream to win the Ballon d'Or one day," said Pavlović.
For Pavlović, the dream is clearly there, even if he still has plenty of work ahead of him to reach that level. The 22-year-old has already established himself as an important part of Bayern Munich's midfield, and continuing to develop under Vincent Kompany will be crucial to his ambitions.
Of course, Pavlović also has two world-class teammates who could make a serious push for the award themselves. Asked whether he would prefer Kane or Olise to win the Ballon d'Or, the midfielder refused to pick a favorite.
"For me, the most important thing is that one of them wins it as a Bayern Munich player. Both deserve it; they are outstanding players. Harry and Michael help us win games week in, week out. So I'm rooting for both of them," Pavlović said.
That is a sensible answer from Pavlović. Bayern Munich winning the Ballon d'Or would be a welcome outcome, regardless of which star takes home the trophy.
And if Pavlović keeps developing at his current pace, perhaps he can turn his own dream into reality someday.
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