"Neither Rodri nor Lautaro" - Juventus defender Bremer backs Real Madrid superstar to win Ballon d'Or this year
Juventus defender Gielson Bremer has backed Vinicius Jr to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. The Real Madrid superstar is one of the favorites to win the prestigious individual award after enjoying a successful 2023-24 campaign with Los Blancos.
Vinicius played a huge part in Madrid's La Liga and UEFA Champions League win last term. The Brazilian winger contributed 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions for the Spanish club.
Additionally, he produced some individual stand-out performances like scoring a hat-trick in the Supercopa final (vs Barcelona), a brace in the Champions League semifinal (vs Bayern Munich), and netting in the final (vs Borussia Dortmund).
However, the 24-year-old faces stiff competition from teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, Manchester City's Rodri, and Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez.
Rodri who has been one of the best midfielders in Europe in recent seasons, won the league title and also the European Championship with Spain. The Spaniard could as well pull a shocker by claiming the award.
Martinez, meanwhile, is one of the dark horses for the Ballon d'Or. The Argentine striker enjoyed a successful 2023-24 campaign for club and country. He led Inter Milan to the Serie A, and Argentina to the 2024 Copa America, finishing as the top scorer in both competitions.
However, Bremer believes the award would return to Brazil and tipped Vinicius Jr to claim it. In a recent interview with German news outlet Bild, the Brazilain defender said: (via FCINterNews):
“Neither Rodri nor Lautaro, the Ballon d' Or will have to return to Brazil. Vinicius last season showed his exceptional skills at Real Madrid and he showed that he deserves it.”
If he eventually wins the award, Vinicius Jr will become the first Brazilian player since Ricardo Kaka in 2007 to win the Ballon d'Or.
Nike to honour Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr with special boots if he wins the Ballon d'Or
According to a report by Footy Headlines (via the Madrid Zone on X), popular sportswear brand Nike will release special boots for Vincius Jr if he is named the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
The Real Madrid star is one of the favorites to win the award which will be held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France on October 28. He was influential in the club's league and continental double last term, making 35 goal contributions in 39 games in all competitions.
Winning the prestigious award and getting a customized boot for it will certainly be one of the most memorable moments of his football career for the 24-year-old.