Jose Mourinho picks his 2024 Ballon d'Or winner
Jose Mourinho has predicted that Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. The Brazilian forward was a standout performer for Los Blancos last season, winning the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de Espana.
Vinicius, 23, bagged 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions for Carlo Ancelotti's side. He gave opposition defenders a torrid time, including against Barcelona, where he netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 Supercopa de Espana final.
Jose Mourinho spoke to TNT Sports ahead of Euro 2024 and was asked to make several predictions. One of those was who will win the Ballon d'Or when the awards ceremony takes place in October:
"I think Vinicius."
Vinicius is the favorite to win the annual award presented by France Football magazine, ahead of Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham. Los Blancos' summer signing Kylian Mbappe is also in the race, as is Toni Kroos, after calling time on his career.
The 29-cap Brazil international won't be too fussed if he fails to win it as he spoke about the possibility earlier this month. He said (via Reuters):
"I don't care about the Ballon d'Or, people close to me and around me tell me that I'm the best and I believe it. That's good for me."
Despite this, Vinicius could further stake his claim as the frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or this summer. He's set to represent his nation at Copa America and is eager to get his hands on a major international trophy.
"His time has come" - Ronaldo Nazario agrees with Jose Mourinho's Ballon d'Or verdict
Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario also thinks Vinicius deserves to win the award after his domestic and European exploits. The iconic former Madrid striker told ESPN:
"I think Vini already deserves [the Ballon d'Or]. I think his time has come. He's had a spectacular Champions League, a spectacular La Liga, and he's been evolving more and more. He's been extremely decisive this year for Real Madrid. For me, today, he's the best player in the world by far."
Vinicius finished sixth in the rankings last year, and Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth award. This is his best placing, and it's almost certain that he will finish in the top three on the podium in October in Paris.
The tricky attacker joined Madrid from Brazilian outfit Flamengo in July 2018 for €45 million. He's since won 12 major trophies and popped up with some crucial goals, including a strike in last season's Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund (2-0).