Barcelona Icon Tips Vinicius Junior for Ballon d'Or Ahead of Kylian Mbappe

• Vinicius Junior has been highly tipped to win the Ballon d'Or
• The Madrid star is among the top contenders to win the accolade
• He is set to compete with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham

Barcelona icon Rivaldo has asserted that Vinicius Junior has the potential to beat Kylian Mbappe in the competition for the Ballon d'Or accolade.

Vinicius has risen as the key figure for Los Blancos, showcasing his talent over the last few seasons.

Despite an early-season injury setback, the Brazilian has been instrumental as the Spanish giants secured La Liga victory and advanced to the Champions League finals once more.

With 36 appearances across all competitions, the 23-year-old has netted 21 goals and provided 11 assists, per Transfermarkt.

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Mbappe appears poised to team up with Vinicius at Real Madrid in the upcoming season, following an exceptional campaign with Les Parisiens.

Across 46 matches, the Frenchman has amassed 43 goals and provided 10 assists.

Rivaldo rates Vinicius ahead of Mbappe

Though Mbappe holds the status of a global superstar and a World Cup champion, Vinicius is also building a strong argument for being one of the world's top players.

During an interview with Betfair, ex-Barcelona and AC Milan star, Rivaldo, lavished praise on his compatriot, also ranking him among the top three players worldwide.

"Taking into account what he is doing at Real Madrid, he is undoubtedly the most important player today," Rivaldo said via AS.

Rivaldo also suggested that Vinicius could potentially win the Ballon d'Or, stating:

"Vinicius has a great chance of being awarded the Ballon d'Or. He is already doing very well, he already deserved to be there last season. He is now among the three best players in the world. And this year, with what he is doing at Real Madrid, with the way he plays... he undoubtedly has a good chance of being the best player in the world. And beat Mbappé in that trophy."

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Carlo Ancelotti speaks out on the Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief has also reported that Carlo Ancelotti has backed Vinicius to win the Ballon d'Or.

The Real Madrid manager admitted that his star winger was close to winning the individual honour.

Los Blancos beat German giants, Bayern, on aggregate to set up a final against Borussia Dortmund.