Rio Ferdinand has backed Real Madrid to retain the Champions League this year whilst he’s eyeing a sensational year for Cole Palmer.

The former Manchester United defender was asked for his predictions across the next 12 months and believes Los Blancos will replicate their success from 2024 and win, yet another, European crown. Despite already losing three times this year in the Champions League they still look set to progress.

With Kylian Mbappe now adding more quality, the Spanish giants will take some stopping come the knockout stages, where they often click. Ferdinand, despite the rivalry he had with them as a player, believes Liverpool will land themselves a second Premier League crown.

The Reds are looking well set at the summit of the top flight and boast a eight point lead with games in hand. Mohamed Salah is again their main man and continues to break records. The Egyptian’s future remains unclear but Ferdinand has backed him to land the Ballon d’Or – which would make him the second African player to scoop the award.

Despite Manchester City’s struggles this term Ferdinand believes Erling Haaland will again scoop the Golden Boot. That would make him the third player to win three on the bounce – following on from Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry.

The Norwegian is by no means being as prolific as in past years, scoring just three times in his last ten outings. He started the year in sensational form though and has 14 goals to his name – three off Salah who is currently setting the pace.

Nottingham Forest are flying high, currently sitting in the top four after fending off relegation last term. Nuno Espirito Santo, after an indifferent and brief spell at Tottenham, is showing what an operator he is at the City Ground. Ferdinand has backed him to be named the year’s best manager with Arne Slot, currently, his only competition.

Palmer’s Chelsea had looked as if they might mount a title challenge, but they’ve since fallen away after a difficult festive period. The former City playmaker has continued to excel following his move to Stamford Bridge and Ferdinand believes individual accolades are heading his way.

Not only backing him to land the Player of the Year award, he also believes the 22-year-old will scoop the Young Player of the Year award. Over the past two decades Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are the only men to land both in the same year.

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