Vinicius Jr. is on the verge of making history as the Ballon d’Or award announcement draws near, with the Real Madrid forward strongly tipped to claim the prestigious honor in Paris on Monday.
The 24-year-old Brazilian’s stellar performances over the past season have made him the top choice among bookmakers and fans, as he vies to become the first Brazilian since Kaka in 2007 to win the coveted prize.
In a standout 2023-24 campaign, Vinicius Jr. delivered 24 goals and 11 assists in just 39 appearances, playing an instrumental role in securing both the LaLiga title and Real Madrid’s record-breaking 15th European Cup.
His contributions included a crucial goal in the Champions League final, where his relentless pace and precise finishing earned him the competition’s Best Player accolade. It was a season defined by Vinicius’ ability to make a difference in the highest-stakes games.
The Case for Vinicius Jr.: Breaking the Messi-Ronaldo Dominance
A win for Vinicius Jr. would mark a notable shift in the Ballon d’Or landscape, with neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo making the final 30-man nominee list for the first time in two decades.
Vinicius’ main competitors include Rodri, the talented Manchester City midfielder and European Championship standout, and Jude Bellingham, who impressed with a career-best 19 goals in his LaLiga debut and guided England to the Euro 2024 final.
Rodri’s resume is particularly compelling, with his vital contributions helping Manchester City secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title. He was instrumental in Spain’s record-breaking fourth European Championship title, and his manager, Pep Guardiola, lauded him as “the best midfielder in the world.”
Similarly, Bellingham’s LaLiga MVP season and consistent form with Real Madrid make him a worthy contender, especially in the wake of his influential performances for England on the international stage.
Vinicius’ European Brilliance Outshines Copa America Struggles
Though Brazil’s Copa America performance faltered, Vinicius Jr. shined in the Champions League, where he showcased a clutch ability that sets him apart. In fact, he became the first Brazilian to score in two Champions League finals, netting the only goal in the 2022 final against Liverpool and contributing decisively in this year’s victory over Borussia Dortmund.
His exploits on Europe’s biggest stage have further bolstered his case, with fans and analysts praising his resilience and adaptability in high-pressure moments.
Ballon d’Or Feminin: Barcelona’s Stars Lead the Pack
In the women’s Ballon d’Or race, Barcelona’s Champions League-winning squad dominates the shortlist, boasting six nominees, including reigning winner Aitana Bonmati and two-time recipient Alexia Putellas. With these talents leading the charge, Barcelona’s women are set to shine on the international stage as the anticipation builds for the prestigious award.
As the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, Vinicius stands on the cusp of a groundbreaking achievement. If he succeeds, he will break through years of Messi-Ronaldo dominance, joining a rare class of players who have captured the world’s attention and left an indelible mark on the sport.
