Vinicius Jr has endured a historic season with Real Madrid.  Despite being injured for the first three months of the season, Vinicius Jr bounced back and scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 appearances to lead Real Madrid to their 36th La Liga crown and 15th Champions League crown. 

Vinicus Jr was the star man in the Champions League final over the weekend as he scored the killer second goal against Borussia Dortmund and sealed his club's UCL triumph. Ever since the final, Vinicius Jr has been tipped to win the Ballon D'or in 2024 and his Brazil teammate and legend Neymar Jr has backed the Real Madrid number 7 to win the Golden Ball.

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Neymar Jr backs Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon D'or 

As soon as Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League in 2024, Neymar Jr was quick to share his appreciation for both Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes on his Instagram story. 

But now Neymar has come out in the media and said that he is extremely pleased for Vinicius Jr and given the season he has had there is no other candidate to win the Ballon D'or this year. 

“Vinicius had a fantastic season. I love him. I will root for him to win Ballon d’Or. I think there is no one to win it but him. We are with Vini. He deserves it, because he’s a fighter who suffered a lot throughout his life but he surpassed all the criticism. I’m very happy he is carrying the Brazil flag around the world”, said Neymar Jr on Vinicius Jr. 

Vinicius Jr was also named the Champions League player of the year thanks splendid performances in the tournament.  

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Vinicius Jr leading the race to win Ballon D'or 

As of June 4th, Vinicius Jr is leading the race to win the Ballon D'or as he is ranked first in the power rankings. The Brazilian's closest candidate for the honour of the Best Men's Player in the world as it stands is his Real Madrid teammates in Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos. 

It is the year of Euros and Copa America and the international tournaments are expected to have some major sway in which way the Golden Ball will head this season.