Real Madrid ace Vinicius Jr responds to being dubbed 2024 ‘Ballon d'Or front-runner’
Vinicus Jr has commented on an Instagram post that called him the front-runner for the Ballon d'Or this summer. The Real Madrid star simply posted a diamond emoji that caught the attention of fans.
It was not the first time Vinicius commented on the Ballon d'Or this year. Earlier in the summer, the Brazilian claimed he was not focused on the award as he wanted to win the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and then help Brazil at Copa America.
He was quoted as saying by 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 LaLiga. We have won LaLiga, we are going to London."
Vinicius scored in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, with Los Blancos winning 2-0. However, he could not do much in Copa America as Uruguay knocked out Brazil in the quarterfinals. The Brazilian ace was suspended for the game.
Vinicius Jr backed to win the Ballon d'Or this year
Neymar and Julio Baptista have backed Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or this year. They believe that the Brazilian has been on top of his game and there is no doubt about the Real Madrid ace being the best in the world this season.
In an interview with Marca, former Brazil forward Baptista said (via Goal):
"He has achieved tremendous consistency in important games, and only the best do that. Golden Ball? This year I have no doubt I would give it to him. Between him and Bellingham, I think I would give it to Vini for being more differential in important games."
Neymar, meanwhile, was quoted as saying by Republic World:
"Vinicius had a fantastic season. I love him. I will root for him to win 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."
Vinicius, who scored two goals in three Copa America 2024 games, registered 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances across competitions for Los Blancos last season.