Vinicius’ sensational numbers at Real Madrid that make him a deserved Ballon d’Or winner

The Ballon d’Or 2024 is just around the corner, and Real Madrid’s talisman forward Vinicius Junior is widely considered the frontrunner for the award. Moreover, recent reports state that the Brazilian winger has been informed by the France Football Association that he will win the most prestigious prize at the awards ceremony, which will be held on October 28 in Paris.

While there had been a clamour for Manchester City midfielder Rodri to lift the trophy following an equally spectacular campaign – where he won Premier League and Euro 2024 with Spain, it now looks like Vinicius has beaten him for what would be his maiden Ballon d’Or.

Vinicius’ exceptional numbers during the 2023-24 season also show why he is rightfully considered the best player in the world. Los Blancos continued their dominance on all fronts, winning the La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions League, and the Brazilian was at the heart of it. In a star-studded squad containing the likes of Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, and Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius was the standout performer, delivering a string of exceptional performances consistently.

Delving deeper into his stats, the 24-year-old racked up 26 goals and 13 assists in all competitions. He finished with 15 goals and six assists in La Liga but it was his performances in UCL that made him a cut above the rest. In 10 games, Vinicius scored six goals and provided five assists, including the double against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and the strike against Borussia Dortmund in the finals, further strengthening his status as a big-match player.

Regardless of his lack of success with the national team, Vinicius has catapulted himself into the upper echelons of football with his incredible rise to prominence at Madrid in recent years.

The mercurial winger has also started the 2024/25 season from where he left off, racking up three goals and four assists in six games in La Liga as part of a formidable attacking trident with Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe.

With legendary figures Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the ebb of their careers and no more on the Ballon d’Or podium, the baton has been passed to Vinicius to define an era in football.

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