Anticipation for the 2024 Ballon d'Or is growing, and the Spanish newspaper Marca is pointing to Vinícius Jr. from Real Madrid as the likely winner. Last Monday (23), the headline "All roads lead to gold" featured the forward holding the trophy. Marca stated that Vinícius "already knows that glory awaits him," confirming his status as the main contender for the prestigious France Football award. This will be the first year the award is held in collaboration with UEFA, with the ceremony scheduled for October 28.
Vinícius Jr. had a brilliant season in 2023/2024, standing out in competitions. In 39 official matches for Real Madrid, he scored 24 goals and contributed with 9 assists. Additionally, his team won three major titles: the Champions League, the Spanish Championship, and the Spanish Supercup. It is the first time the award will take place in partnership with UEFA, and the ceremony is set for October 28.
Strong Competition
Although Vinícius Jr. is the main favorite, the competition for the award in 2024 will be intense. Rodri from Manchester City had an exceptional season and was crucial for the club's achievements. Jude Bellingham, despite being young, has shown great maturity on the field, with impressive performances for both Real Madrid and the English national team.
These three players represent the future of world football, and the competition among them is one of the most balanced in recent years. However, Vinícius Jr.'s victorious campaign and consistency give him a significant advantage.
The history of the Ballon d'Or is rich and filled with great names in football. Lionel Messi, with eight titles, is the greatest winner, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with five. Other stars, such as Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini, won the Ballon d'Or three times. Since the rules were changed to allow non-European players to participate, many Brazilians have stood out. Ronaldo Fenômeno won it twice, and players like Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaká also left their marks on the award.
With Vinícius Jr. as the favorite, Brazil could add another name to the list of Ballon d'Or winners. The list of the 20 nominees has already been released, and everyone is eagerly awaiting the ceremony to find out who will be the new laureate of one of football's greatest honors.
