"Will take over from the greats, from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi" - Journalist claims Real Madrid star will win Ballon d'Or this year
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. is set to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or after two decades of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's dominance, per Spanish journalist Jose Felix Diaz. The Brazilian had an impressive 2023-24 season, becoming key to Real Madrid's triumph in the Supercopa de Espana, UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
On the individual level, Vinicius scored 24 goals and recorded 11 assists in 39 games across all competitions for Los Blancos. The forward, however, had a disappointing run with Brazil in the 2024 Copa America, scoring two goals in three games. The Selecao were eliminated after a 4-2 loss to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals, for which Vinicius was suspended.
In an article in MARCA, journalist Jose Felix Diax claimed that France Football has already decided to award the 2024 Ballon d'Or to Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian will take over the throne from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Vinicius Jr., yes. Vinicius is touching the gold medal, which will be awarded on October 28 at the Chatelet theatre in the French capital, in Paris. Why?" Diaz wrote.
He continued:
"Because the Brazilian has been the best during the last season, because he has already received the UEFA award, because in France they are starting to consider him a star, a reference point and because the whole world of football is surrendering at his feet for what he is achieving with Madrid, what he achieved last season and what he is starting to add this season after what he has done in the first few days.”
Diaz claimed that this marks the beginning of a new era after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's dominance since 2008. He added:
“It is true that he has not started well, but this award, let us not forget, is the onethat recognises the merits achieved during the 23/24 season. And in that, Vinicius Jr was the king. This is recognised by France Football, this is recognised by world football.
"Vinicius' throne will be taken over by the greats, by Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, who have been in charge for two decades, with the exception of Benzema and Modric. Well, now it is Vinicius Jr's time.”
Messi and Ronaldo have maintained an almost unparalleled duopoly over the coveted Ballon d'Or from 2008 to 2023, barring 2018 and 2022. Real Madrid's Luka Modric and Karim Benzema won the award respectively in the said years.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo not in the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominations for the first time since 2008
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's duopoly over France Football's prestigious Ballon d'Or ended in 2024. Neither of the two legends made it to the 30-man shortlist. The Argentine holds the record of winning the highest number of Ballon d'Or awards in history with eight to his name, while Ronaldo boasts of five.
Messi's exclusion came despite the forward winning the 2024 Copa America with Argentina. He also led Inter Miami to win their first trophy in history with the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo became the highest goalscorer in one Saudi Pro League season with 35 goals last season. Overall, the Portuguese recorded 44 goals and 13 assists to his name over 45 appearances across all competitions for Al-Nassr last season.