Ballon d’Or 2024: Jude Bellingham 'Concedes' Race for Award, Picks Vinicius Ahead of Himself

• Jude Bellingham appears to have ruled himself out of winning the Ballon d'Or
• The Real Madrid attacker instead picked teammate, Vinicius Jnr, for the prize
• If Vini wins the award, he would become the first Brazilian to do so since 2007

Real Madrid superstar, Jude Bellingham, appears to have thrown in the towel in the race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

The Englishman has had an explosive first season following his big-money transfer to the Spanish capital last summer.

He finished as the club's top scorer in the 2023/24 La Liga season, helping Los Blancos clinch a record-extending 36th Spanish top flight title.

Who deserves the 2024 Ballon d'Or: Bellingham or Vinicius?

Bellingham is in contention to win his maiden Champions League, with Madrid set to face his former employers, Borussia Dortmund, in Saturday's final at Wembley.

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GOAL notes that his outstanding performance all season has made him a frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d'Or prize.

However, the 20-year-old faces strong competition from none other than his friend and teammate, Vinicius Junior.

Like Jude, Vinicius has been exceptional for the White Angels, contributing 34 goals (23 goals and 11 assists) in 38 appearances across all competitions.

Both players were pivotal in their side's journey to the Champions League final, with the Brazilian's five goals and five assists putting him slightly ahead of Bellingham in terms of goal contributions in Europe's premier club competition.

Bellingham chooses Vinicius as Ballon d'Or favourite

With the UCL final and the impending Copa America and European Championships likely to influence the race for the Ballon d'Or, Bellingham has weighed in on the discussion.

The Stourbridge-born Three Lions midfielder suggested that his teammate, Vinicius, deserves to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of him.

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"Ballon d’Or? For me, Viní Jr is the best in the world," he told The Athletic, as quoted by MadridXtra. "He creates magic out of nothing. He has everything to be the best."

Brazil coach insists Vinicius deserves Ballon d'Or

Relatedly, Sports Brief reported that Brazil coach, Dorival Junior, has articulated why it would be a 'football sin' if Vinicius Junior does not win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Sharing his perspective on the world's best footballer, Dorival firmly believes that Vinicius deserves the prestigious award due to his exceptional efforts this season.

The national coach contended that neither the outcome of the Euros nor the Copa America should impede the 23-year-old's chances of clinching the Ballon d'Or.