Real Madrid legend backs Vinicius Jr for 2024 Ballon d'Or as Brazilian forward scores winner in 2-1 triumph over Celta Vigo
Real Madrid legend Marcelo has backed compatriot Vinicius Jr to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or after his match-winning performance against Celta Vigo in LaLiga on Saturday (October 19). The Brazilian winger scored the winning goal (66') at the Balaidos to make it 2-1 for Los Blancos.
Vinicius Jr was one of the most clutch players for a star-studded Real Madrid lineup last season. The Brazilian helped Los Blancos do the LaLiga-Champions League double and also win the Supercopa de Espana.
He contributed 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions for Real Madrid last season. This included a hattrick against Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final as Real Madrid won 4-1.
However, the Brazilian's most crucial contributions came in the UEFA Champions League. He registered six goals and five assists in 10 Champions League games, helping his side win their 15th European crown.
Vinicius Jr was especially clutch in both legs of the semi-final against Bayern Munich, helping the team win 4-3 on aggregate. He also scored in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, helping Los Blancos win 2-0.
After Saturday's away win over Celta Vigo, Vinicius Jr posted a photo of himself on Instagram. Marcelo took to the comment section to back his compatriot's Ballon d'Or claims, writing:
"Ballon d'Or [salute emoji]."
The only blemish for the Brazilian was his country's underwhelming performance at the 2024 Copa America. Vinicius Jr.'s side were knocked out in the quarter-finals against Uruguay on penalties.
"I'm very calm" - Vinicius Jr on his chances of winning
the Ballon d'Or
Earlier this year, Vinicius Jr acknowledged that he wasn't focusing on his Ballon d'Or chances. Instead, the Brazilian talked about winning collective accolades with club and country. In an interview with ESPN, he said:
"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 America]. 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 La Liga. We have won La Liga, we are going to London," he added.
Apart from Vinicius Jr, players like Rodri, Lautaro Martinez, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, and Toni Kroos are also in with a shot at winning the coveted award.