Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is reportedly set to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, according to Spanish media. The Brazilian forward, who played a pivotal role in his club’s success last season, has emerged as the favorite for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
Vinicius scored 24 goals during the 2023-24 season, helping Real Madrid secure the Champions League and La Liga titles. His electrifying performances, which included a goal in the 2-0 Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund, have made him a standout candidate for the award.
Spanish outlet AS reported, “It was a matter of time. And the question now is whether he will not go away with time. But this Vinicius is Vinicius. A footballer who breaks down defenses with blistering speed and needs little to score. A world star who, in eight days, will receive his first Ballon d’Or.”
Vinicius had already been the bookmakers’ favorite, with his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal also among the contenders.
In addition, Marca reported last month that Nike, Vinicius’ sponsor, has begun preparations to celebrate his win by rebranding their Madrid store after the award ceremony.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, October 28, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Last year’s winner, Lionel Messi, secured his record eighth award after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
However, with Messi now playing in MLS for Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, both legends appear to be nearing the end of their Ballon d’Or dominance.
Should Vinicius win, it will mark a shift in the footballing landscape, as Messi and Ronaldo have won all but one Ballon d’Or since 2008, with Luka Modric claiming the 2018 award after guiding Croatia to the World Cup final.
Culled from Dailytrend
