Ballon d’Or: Why Jude Bellingham, Mbappe, Can’t Win Award Ahead of Vinicius, Brazil Coach Explains

• Vinicius Junior has been tipped to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or
• He has been in phenomenal form in the 2023-2024 season
• The Real Madrid star faces competition from Mbappe and co

Brazil manager, Dorival Junior, has explained why it would be a 'football sin' if Vinicius Junior did not win the 2024 Ballon d'Or prize.

Alongside Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, and outgoing PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius is seen as a frontrunner to unseat Lionel Messi for this prestigious award.

Does Vinicius deserve the 2024 Ballon d'Or?

The zippy winger overcame a shaky start to the season occasioned by nagging injuries, helping Los Blancos to clinch a record-extending 36th La Liga crown.

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He also played a pivotal role in his side's route to the UEFA Champions League final, contributing 10 goals (five goals and five assists) as Madrid face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, June 1.

With 34 goal contributions in 38 appearances across all competitions, Vini Jr. holds a strong position for the Golden Ball prize, as indicated by Transfermarkt.

While Vinicius's numbers are impressive, his competitors also boast similarly impressive, if not superior, stats as the race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or heats up.

The outcome of the Champions League final and the upcoming Copa America and Euros tournaments could significantly influence the recipient of football's most coveted individual honour.

Brazil coach tips Vinicius for Ballon d'Or

Expressing his viewpoint on who deserves the title of the "best footballer" in the world, Dorival believes that Vinicius is the rightful Ballon d'Or recipient based on his outstanding performances throughout the season.

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“This campaign he [Vincius] carried out during this period is the one that will shorten that path to the Ballon d'Or," Dorival said, as cited by Tribuna.

The ex-Sao Paulo and Flamengo coach emphasised that Vini stands out above all others.

"Of all the players involved in the two competitions [Euros and Copa America], no one had a year with greater balance than Vini Jr. I think this election is already happening, if it hasn't already happened.

He reckons that not even the outcome of the Euros or the Copa America can hinder the 23-year-old's chances of clinching the Ballon d'Or.

“I think that this can hardly be altered by a single competition, even if it is the competition that ends the year and that has great importance in the context.

"For everything Vinicius has already accomplished throughout this period, it would be a big surprise if that (winning the Ballon d'Or) doesn't happen," the Brazil coach ended.

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Ballon d'Or: African football legend backs Vinicius

African football legend, Emmanuel Adebayor, has backed Real Madrid's Vinicius to clinch the 2024 Ballon d'Or, favoring him over competitors Mbappe and Bellingham.

As reported by Sports Brief, Adebayor has singled out Vinicius as his prime candidate for the prestigious accolade, praising the Brazilian winger's recent displays.