The Special One speaks: Mourinho predicts Portugal glory & bold Ballon d'Or choice

Focus

Bellingham the Euro 2024 breakout star?

By WAN AHMAD ATARMIZI

25 Jun 2024 01:53pm

Jose Mourinho - Photo by AFP

SHAH ALAM - As the Euro 2024’s group stage is coming to a close, Jose Mourinho shared his predictions, backing his home nation Portugal to clinch victory in Germany.

The Special One now leading Fenerbahce in Turkey also commented on England's chances and made a surprising Ballon d'Or prediction.

On July 14, the highly anticipated Euro 2024 kicked off with host nation Germany maintaining their dominance by thrashing Scotland 5-1. Germany, considered one of the favourites to win the coveted trophy, delivered a commanding performance.

Despite the strong competition from top European teams, Mourinho, speaking to TNT Sports during the Champions League final at Wembley on June 2, expressed confidence in Portugal's prospects.

Mourinho predicted that Portugal would win their second major tournament in three competitions, with England likely finishing as runners-up, mirroring their performance at Euro 2020.

He highlighted Portugal, France and England as the leading contenders, suggesting that any other team reaching the final stages would be a surprise.

Focusing on England's squad, Mourinho praised Harry Kane, his former striker at Tottenham, predicting that the England captain would win the Golden Boot.

The treble winning manager with Inter Milan in 2010, also singled out Jude Bellingham, fresh off a Champions League victory, as a strong candidate for Player of the Tournament.

Turning to the Ballon d'Or, Mourinho offered a bold prediction, naming Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr as the likely winner.

He noted Vinicius's instrumental role in securing both LaLiga and the Champions League for Real Madrid and anticipated a standout performance at the Copa America with Brazil.

Jose Mourinho’s Euro 2024 Predictions: