Ronaldo Declares Vinicius Junior World's Best, Backs Him For Ballon D'Or

Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has declared Vinicius Junior the best player globally, advocating for the Real Madrid winger to win this year's Ballon d'Or. Vinicius has had an outstanding 2024, playing a pivotal role in Madrid's LaLiga triumph and scoring in their Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

The 23-year-old winger emerged as the top scorer for Los Blancos with 24 goals across all competitions. Prominent figures such as Carlo Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham, and Neymar have also endorsed Vinicius for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. If successful, Vinicius would join the ranks of Brazilian winners like Kaka, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Ronaldo.

Ronaldo expressed his admiration for Vinicius in an interview with ESPN Brasil, stating, "He's been extremely decisive this year for Real Madrid. For me, today he's the best player in the world by far. I think Vinicius already deserves [the Ballon d'Or]. I think his time has come."

Ronaldo recalled his first encounter with Vinicius at Real Madrid and noted the winger's continuous improvement. "I remember that I did his presentation the day he arrived at Real Madrid and I got on well with him. I talk to Vinicius a lot about football and certain details and, looking at everything that's happened, it's a fantastic development that he's making," Ronaldo added.

Vinicius now shifts his focus to the Copa America, where Brazil is among the favourites to win the title in the United States. Rivaldo, another Brazilian Ballon d'Or winner from 1999, echoed Ronaldo's sentiments. He believes that leading Brazil to Copa America glory would solidify Vinicius' claim to the award.

"He deserves the Ballon d'Or," said Rivaldo. "Of course, there's nothing better for him than to secure the award once and for all than by winning the Copa America now, right? Today, he already deserves the award, but if he wins the Copa America, even better."

As Vinicius continues to impress on both domestic and international stages, his potential Ballon d'Or win would mark a significant milestone in his career and further cement his status as one of football's elite players.