“He’s set to win it” - Sergio Aguero picks 2024 Ballon d'Or winner
Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero believes Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior is set to win the Ballon d'Or award this year. The Brazilian attacker is certainly a frontrunner after his incredible club season with Los Blancos. He managed to win La Liga with the Spanish giants, as they finished 10 points clear of second-placed Barcelona.
Along with that, the 23-year-old forward got on the scoresheet for his side in the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, which they won 2-0. Overall, Vinicius made 39 appearances across competitions this campaign, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists.
Predicting him to win the honor this year, Aguero told Stake.com in an exclusive interview:
"I think the award should be Vinicius'. He had a great season, winning the La Liga title and the Champions League, too, with a goal to go with it. Bellingham started out really well, towards the final, after his injury, his performance waned a little.
"Vinicius became the main offensive weapon of a powerful Real Madrid. He's set to win it this year."
Vinicius' Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham is another popular candidate for the award after he had a brilliant first season at the Santiago Bernabeu. The England international made 42 appearances across competitions for his current employers this season, bagging 23 goals and 13 assists.
However, Vinicius seems to be the more popular pick. He's currently on national team duty with Brazil at the Copa America and if his team goes deep, the winger certainly stands a great chance of winning the Ballon d'Or.
Former Chelsea player Claude Makelele makes his pick for 2024 Ballon d'Or winner
Former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele believes England's Jude Bellingham deserves the 2024 Ballon d'Or award over his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior.
The 20-year-old has already got going at the European Championships, scoring in his team's 1-0 victory against Serbia on Sunday (June 16). In a rapid-fire interview with GOAL, Makelele was asked who should win the highest individual prize in football, and he replied (via MSN):
"Bellingham, he is amazing. He is a great player, I think. I hope he wins the Ballon d'Or."
Bellingham will next be in action for The Three Lions when they face Denmark in a group-stage match of Euro 2024 on Thursday (June 20). He will most likely occupy the advanced midfield position under Gareth Southgate.