“I’d like him to win” - Brazil icon Pele’s son picks 2024 Ballon d'Or winner
Brazil legend Pele's son has backed Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or this year. He believes that the Real Madrid star is carrying on the footballing legacy of the country after the legend passed away.
Speaking to the media in Brazil, as quoted by MadridXtra, Joshua Nascimento backed Vinicius Jr to beat his Real Madrid teammates to the France Football award. He said:
"Vini Jr is a player who is representing the history that my father left in football very well. I'd like him to win the Ballon d’Or, it's been a while since a Brazilian won it."
Brazil legends Cafu and Dida, while in conversation with Stats Perform earlier this month, had also backed the Real Madrid star for the award. The legendary defender pointed out that his compatriot was brilliant for Madrid last season 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."
The legendary goalkeeper also echoed the same and said that the Real Madrid star deserved the accolade. He said:
"Vinicius is a great kid, a great player, a top player. He did very well last year, he scored goals, he gave assists, that's why. If he wins, it's because he deserves to win it because he did very well, we hope he manages to win this Ballon d'Or."
The Ballon d’Or gala will be held on Monday, 28 October, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Vinicius Jr is reportedly leading the race, with Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Rodri and Lautaro Martinez also in with a chance.
Vinicius Jr backed to win Ballon d'Or by Real Madrid duo
Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti have put their weight behind Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or this year. They highlighted that the Brazilian had been in fine form over the last year and deserved the France Football award.
Modric commented on his teammate after their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, saying (via GOAL):
"Vini Jr. is definitely close to winning the Ballon d'Or. You look at how he played last season overall, this season, especially after tonight, he deserves it."
Ancelotti, during his post-match press confrence after the Dortmund win, said:
"It's rare to see a player perform like Vinicius did in the second half, not just with the goals, but with an extraordinary energy, intensity, and character. I think he's going to win the Ballon d'Or for what he did last year, helping us win the Champions League, not for today's three goals, which will count towards next year's Ballon d'Or."
Vinicius Jr scored a hattrick to help his side win 5-2 against Dortmund after trailing 2-0 at half time.