“He exceeded all expectations” – Brazil legend Neymar Jr. has his pick for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

Former Barcelona star Neymar has picked Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr as the frontrunner to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.

Neymar and Vinicius Jr, image courtesy: X

Former Barcelona star Neymar Jr has picked national teammate Vinicius Jr as his choice for the Ballon d’Or this year. The Brazilian international stated that the Real Madrid forward deserves the award this year due to the sheer magnitude of his performances.

Neymar Jr also spoke about the amazing bond he shares with Vinicius Jr. He underlined the fact that the youngster has tackled more than robust defenders and unbreachable goalkeepers. The former PSG star said that Vinicius has conquered unabated racism and hatred against himself to be the phenom that he is.

I love Vinicius. We have a beautiful relationship. He’s a great friend that football has made me know. He had a wonderful season, I surely support him to win the Ballon d’Or. I think there’s no one better than him. Vini deserves it, he’s a fighter, he suffered a lot throughout his life, he exceeded all expectations. He surpassed all the criticism and now he’s an idol, a great hero for us.
Neymar said

✨?? Neymar Jr: “I’m with Vinicius Jr for the Ballon d’Or. No one deserves it more than him”.

“He is a fighter, suffered a lot throughout his life, he exceeded all expectations, he overcame all the criticisms, trolls and today he has become a great idol, a hero for us”, told AS. pic.twitter.com/mgSBrpiwgu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 14, 2024

Neymar earlier said that Vinicius has surpassed all expectations and has battled criticism to be where he is today. More importantly, his energy in carrying the Brazilian flag forward is another reason why he is one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or

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Brazil legends Cafu and Dida praise Vinicius Jr.

It isn’t just Neymar who has rooted for Vinicius Jr. to bag the Ballon d’Or. Brazilian icons, Cafu and Dida have also echoed the sentiments of the former PSG star. Cafu, the 2002 World Cup-winning captain, believes that the numbers speak for themselves and that should be enough for Vinicius to win the Ballon d’Or.

Dida added that Viniciius is a great kid and a great player. His last season was rife with goals and assists and he is a deserved winner of the award. Vinicius had an incredible 2023-24 season where he helped Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid lift the UEFA Champions League while also winning the La Liga.

Last season, Vinicius played 49 games for club and country, scoring 26 goals and providing 11 assists. The 24-year-old lost just three times all season, once with Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and twice with Brazil in the World Cup qualifying.

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Apart from him, his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal are also in the race for the prized award. Manchester City’s Rodri, whose current season has been cut short due to an ACL injury, is another big contender.