2024 Ballon d'Or: Adebayor Names Who Should Win Award Between Vinicius, Mbappe and Bellingham

• Emmanuel Adebayor is widely regarded as one of the most eccentric players of the past decade
• During his career, he played for Real Madrid, Man City, Tottenham and Arsenal among others
• The legendary Togolese striker has picked who should win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has tipped Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or over contenders Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Vinicius has displayed remarkable form for Los Blancos this season, netting 23 goals and delivering 11 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.

The Brazilian's five goals and five assists in the Champions League have been pivotal in propelling Madrid to the final, per Transfermarkt.

Following Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain's semi-final exits, which saw Harry Kane and Mbappe bow out, Vinicius and Bellingham have emerged as the leading contenders for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

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Bellingham, in his impressive debut season at Real Madrid, has tallied 23 goals and 12 assists as a midfielder across all competitions.

Adebayor on Ballon d'Or

Adebayor has highlighted Vinicius as his top choice for the award, expressing admiration for the Brazilian winger's recent performances, though he concedes that his opinion might evolve over time.

“I love Mbappé. I am very close to the family, but what Vinicius is doing now is simply incredible. the ex-Togo captain said via Madrid Universal.

"Jude Bellingham did it for several months, but now Vinicius. If you ask me today I would tell you that I am going with Vinicius."

Change in Ballon d'Or rules

Sports Brief has previously reported that the Ballon d'Or rules were changed in 2021, just after Messi had won his record seventh title.

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The award switched to a season-based format rather than the calendar year and the vote was reduced to the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations.

Carlo Ancelotti speaks out on the Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief also reported that Carlo Ancelotti, buoyed by Real Madrid's latest European success, has backed Vini for the 2024 Ballon d'Or Award.

After missing out on the top three last year, Vini Jr. is poised to secure a podium finish this year, propelled by his La Liga triumph and reaching the Champions League final.

However, he faces stiff competition from teammate Bellingham, who has dazzled in his debut season at Real Madrid.