AFCON 2025
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said he expects Vinicius Jr to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
Vinicius is the favourite to become the first Brazilian to win the prestigious award since Kaka in 2007.
Ancelotti backs Vinicius Junior for Ballon d’Or
“I think so [Vinicius Junior will win the 2024 Ballon d’Or], thanks to the effectiveness he had in the Champions League, scoring in the semi-final and the final,” Ancelotti told the media.
“I think he will win it. If he doesn’t, we’ll move on.”
Vinicius Jr is among seven Real Madrid players shortlisted for the prestigious award, alongside Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, and Federico Valverde.
He’ll also face stiff competition from Manchester City’s Rodri, who has had an outstanding 2024.
Vinicius scored 24 goals and provided 10 assists in 39 appearances, to lead Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League titles.
