Ballon d’Or 2024: Ronaldo Makes His Verdict on Vinicius Junior vs Jude Bellingham Debate

• The 2024 Ballon d'Or debate has attracted strong opinions from leading former players after the Champions League final
• Ronaldo Nazario became the latest legend to enter into the discussion after Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund in the Wembley showdown
• Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are the clear favourites for the award after starring in Real Madrid's impeccable success this season

The 2024 Ballon d'Or debate has started to attract the opinions of current and retired players, among other interested stakeholders.

The conclusion of the club season after the Champions League final on June 1 ignited an intense discussion on who could win the Golden Ball later this year.

France Football Magazine has already confirmed that the gala will be held on October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.

Ballon d'Or: Why Bellingham, Mbappe, Kane can't take award from Vinicius, Brazil coach explains

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There is growing expectation that two of Real Madrid's leading stars this season, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, are the frontrunners to succeed Lionel Messi.

Los Blancos won a record-extending 15th Champions League title after they beat Borussia Dortmund in the Wembley final courtesy of goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius.

Ronaldo discloses his Ballon d'Or candidate

The Brazilian has now received backing from his compatriot, Ronaldo Nazario, who believes the 23-year-old has done enough to win the lucrative award.

"I think Viní already deserves it. He's had a spectacular Champions League, a spectacular La Liga, and he's been evolving more and more," he told ESPN.

The two-time Ballon d'Or winner, in 1997 and 2002, was proud of how far the pacy Real Madrid forward had come since his arrival in the Spanish capital.

"I think his time has come. He's been extremely decisive this year for Real Madrid. For me, today, he's the best player in the world by far."

Ballon d'Or 2024: Jude Bellingham 'gives up' on race for award, picks Vinicius as deserving winner

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After winning the La Liga and the Champions League, Vinicius can add more silverware this season if he wins the Copa America with Brazil next month.

Rivaldo makes his Ballon d'Or 2024 pick

Ronaldo is not the only Brazilian who has thrown his weight behind the former Flamengo player.

Sports Brief has reported that Rivaldo has backed Vinicius to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.

The former Barcelona player, in fact, rated Vinicius ahead of his new Real Madrid teammate, Kylian Mbappe.