Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has backed Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of teammate Jude Bellingham in 2024.
The race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or appears an open one with several stars in the frame to claim football’s greatest individual honour.
Real Madrid have a number of candidates following their double-winning season in 2023-24, with Vinicius Junior and Bellingham among the frontrunners. The former was named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season after decisive contributions in the latter stages, while Bellingham won La Liga’s equivalent in his debut season at the Bernabeu.
Real right-back Dani Carvajal has also been named as a contender after adding Euro 2024 to his La Liga and Champions League titles.
Ancelotti has given his verdict and believes Vinicius deserves to pip his teammates – and Manchester City midfielder Rodri – to the Ballon d’Or.
“Vinicius Jr will win the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion,” told the Obi One Podcast.
“Carvajal also did really well, he won La Liga, Champions League and scored in the final, won the Euros.
“But Vinicius is a talented player, young, good image, won La Liga, won the Champions League scoring in the final and semi final. He scored two in Munich!
“Jude (Bellingham) had a fantastic season. Winning the Champions League, winning the league, and it was a big surprise. The best player of the league season.
“Rodri also is a fantastic midfielder, one of the best midfielders in the competition, and consistent.”
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