“He deserves to win” - Carlo Ancelotti highlights why Real Madrid star should win the 2024 Ballon d'Or
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has pointed out why winger Vinicius Junior must be awarded the Ballon d'Or award this year. The Brazilian played a pivotal role in Los Blancos' successful 2023-24 campaign, helping them win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
Most crucially, the 24-year-old scored the second goal in his team's 2-0 Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund to secure the result. He also bagged a brace in the first leg of the semi-final victory over Bayern Munich (4-3).
Pointing out Vinicius' performances in Europe's highest club competition, Ancelotti said (via @theMadridZone):
"Vinicius deserves to win the Ballon d'Or. He helped us win the Champions League with goals in the semi-finals and the final."
During the course of the La Liga season last year, Vinicius made 26 appearances, bagging 15 goals and six assists. In the Champions League alone, he played 10 matches, scoring on six occasions and providing five assists.
The Brazilian has seemingly carried on his form into the 2024-25 campaign as well. In nine appearances across competitions so far, he's scored three goals and bagged six assists.
However, the forward is expected to face stiff competition for this year's Ballon d'Or award from teammates Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham. Apart from club success, Carvajal also managed to win Euro 2024 with Spain while Bellingham's England made it to the final of the tournament.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is another candidate who has been heavily discussed on social media in the build-up to the presentation of this prize.
Sergio Aguero wishes for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or
Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero believes Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior deserves to win the Ballon d'Or award this year over others like Kylian Mbappe.
Last season, the France international made 48 appearances across competitions for Paris Saint-Germain, bagging 44 goals and 10 assists. Claiming that Vinicius was better than Mbappe, who also recently joined Real Madrid, Aguero said (via Daily Post Nigeria):
"This season, Vinicius has been better than Mbappe. He is a player who creates danger. When the ball is with Vinicius, you feel the threat. I would like Vinicius to win the Ballon d'Or."
With the pair playing together at Santiago Bernabeu, they will be expected to feature for their club during the weekend's league encounter against Atletico Madrid (September 29). After that, they have a Champions League tie with Lille in midweek (October 2).