Neymar backs Vinicius as ´obvious´ choice for Ballon d´Or

Neymar says Vinicius Junior will “obviously” win the Ballon d’Or after he helped Real Madrid win their 15th Champions League title on Saturday.

Vinicius scored the second goal in Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund and was their top scorer in the competition this campaign with six overall. He was also named the Champions League Player of the Season on Monday.

Indeed, the Brazilian became just the fifth player to score in both of their first two Champions League final appearances, after Samuel Eto’o, Sergio Ramos, Lionel Messi and Mario Mandzukic.

Vinicius was an integral part of Los Blancos’ title charge too, with only Jude Bellingham (19) scoring more goals than him (15) as they won LaLiga for the 36th time.

His name regularly features in conversations over this season’s Ballon d’Or winner, and he has been backed by Brazil team-mate Neymar to get his hands on the prize.

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

Presenting the 2023/24 @ChampionsLeague Player of the Season… @ViniJr!#UCL pic.twitter.com/EZKX706FjF

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) June 3, 2024

“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.”

The last Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or was Kaka in 2007, while Neymar has been a contender for the award, but finished third in his closest finish.

Vinicius will now be looking to add the Copa America to his list of accolades, with Selecao’s campaign beginning on June 24 against Costa Rica in Group D.