“Deserves it for what he’s done and what he’ll do in the future” - Cafu picks 2024 Ballon d'Or winner
Cafu has backed Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or this year. The Brazilian legend believes the Real Madrid star had a great season and deserves the prestigious award.
Speaking to Stats Perform at Festival dello Sport in Italy, Cafu claimed Vinicius has shown that he can be a top player in the future. He feels his compatriot was better than every other player in the Ballon d'Or race and said:
"Yes, he deserves to win it, he's had a great season. The numbers he had last season were incredible. He deserves it for what he's done and what he will do in the future."
Former Barcelona superstar Neymar also backed Vinicius to win the France Football award this year and said earlier this summer:
"Vinicius had a fantastic season. I love him. I will root for him to win the 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."
France Football will be announcing the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or later this month. Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, and Rodri are also in the race for the award.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr not thinking about Ballon d'Or
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr acknowledged earlier this year that he was not focusing on the Ballon d'Or. Aware of the talks around his chances to win the award, he told ESPN:
"Everyone talks about the Ballon d’Or but I'm very calm. I want to win another Champions League with this team. I can do great things this season and then I have to go with Brazil [for the Copa América]. I always think about the teams first and then me."
"We were able to place the best team in the world in another final. We have 25 stars in the team, all of us have worked hard to achieve our aim, which is to go to London [for the Champions League final] and to win La Liga. We have won La Liga, we are going to London," he added.
Vinicius Jr played a key role in helping Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga last season. However, he was unable to do much in the Copa America for Brazil.
Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal managed to help Spain win the EURO 2024 and there have been shouts to give the defender the Ballon d’Or this year.