Brazilian football legends Ronaldo Nazário and Rivaldo have recently made headlines by proclaiming that Vinícius Júnior should be the recipient of this year’s prestigious Ballon d’Or award. This assertion comes after Vinícius played a pivotal role in leading Real Madrid to both LaLiga and Champions League triumphs this season.
One of the standout moments of Vinícius’ season was his impressive performance in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, where he scored in Madrid’s 2-0 victory. This not only secured the 15th European Cup title for Real Madrid but also marked Vinícius’ second Champions League win during his spell at the club.
Rivaldo emphasized the importance of Vinícius’ goal-scoring prowess in determining his eligibility for the Ballon d’Or. Despite needing to elevate his game and find the back of the net more frequently, Vinícius managed to score an impressive 24 goals in 34 games across all competitions this season. Rivaldo commended Vinícius’ dedication, training, and evolution as a player.
As Vinícius gears up to represent Brazil in the upcoming Copa América in the United States, Rivaldo sees this tournament as an opportunity for Vinícius to further bolster his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or. Winning the Copa América could solidify Vinícius’ claim to the coveted title, according to Rivaldo.
Ronaldo echoed Rivaldo’s sentiments by expressing his belief that Vinícius is already a deserving candidate for the Ballon d’Or. Reflecting on Vinícius’ growth and impact throughout the season, Ronaldo emphasized the significant strides the young player has made since his arrival at Real Madrid. Ronaldo’s personal interactions and discussions with Vinícius about football have allowed him to witness firsthand the remarkable development of the talented forward.
The resounding endorsement of Vinícius Júnior by two Brazilian football icons raises the question of whether he is indeed on track to secure the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. With his exceptional performances for Real Madrid and the potential for further success in the Copa América, Vinícius Júnior’s rise to the pinnacle of world football seems increasingly plausible.