Neymar believes there is “no better candidate” to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award than compatriot and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior after successful La Liga and Champions League outings last term, Soccernet.football reports.
After years of utter domination by two of football’s greatest ever players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the prestigious award is set to be claimed by one of the stars of the new generation.
Los Blancos stars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, along with Manchester City midfielder Rodri, are among the top contenders for the trophy.
However, Brazilian legend Neymar has already decided who he believes deserves to be honoured this year.
“Of course I will be supporting him [Vinicius] to win the Ballon d’Or this year,” the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward told Brand Sports, as per 90Mins.
“For me there is no other better candidate to win. He’s a guy who deserves it, because he’s a fighter.
“He has suffered a lot throughout his life, but he has exceeded all expectations and criticism. He has become an idol for all of us.”
Vinicius made 39 appearances for Madrid across all competitions last season, scoring 24 goals and establishing himself as the club’s top scorer.
However, he struggled on the international front, as Brazil failed to impress in the Copa America, suffering elimination in the quarter-finals at the hands of Uruguay in a penalty shootout.
Nevertheless, his contributions for the Spanish champions, both domestically and in Europe, have positioned him as one of the leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or, which will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 28.