Neymar backs Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d’Or award

Neymar believes his international compatriot Vinicius Junior deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award after he was named Champions League Player of the Season.

The 23-year-old had a sensational season with Real Madrid after winning the La Liga and Champions League in the 2023/24 campaign.

Neymar rooting for fellow countryman Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d’Or award

Vinicius Junior played an instrumental role in Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga triumphs this season. He recorded six goals and five assists in 10 Champions League games and was honoured with the competition’s Player of the Season award.

Neymar who has often been a contender for the prestigious award several times, has backed Junior to lift the Ballon d’Or in 2024. The veteran forward is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and has not played since October.

Neymar will miss the upcoming Copa America in the United States from June 20 to July 14 but will look forward to making a full recovery before the start of next season with Al Hilal.

“As for Vini, obviously I think the Ballon d’Or is his today,” Neymar said.

“I sent [him] messages before and after the [Champions League final] game. He’s a boy I love with passion, a great friend that football gave me. He will certainly be crowned with the Ballon d’Or.

“He’s incredible. Carrying our country’s flag around the world and we’re really rooting for him.”

Vinicius Junior has netted 15 goals and added another six assists in 26 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this season. The possibility of the 23-year-old winning the Ballon d’Or is more likely as he bagged both La Liga and Champions League last term.

The Real Madrid superstar will be leading Brazil’s attack in the upcoming Copa America in the United States.

Also Read: Vinicius Junior picks famous Cristiano Ronaldo bicycle goal as the best UCL strike ever