A few months ago, it appeared only Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe were genuine contenders for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, but a new frontrunner has seemingly emerged after Saturday's UEFA Champions League final.
Check Out: Mourinho's Salary At New Club 'Revealed'
From Bellingham to Vinicius?
Big performances on big European nights tend to have an impact on where the football's most prestigious individual prize goes. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Lionel Messi and even Luka Modric have all experienced the acclaim that comes with not only being part of a Champions League-winning squad, but playing a significant role in getting their teams over the line. Months ago, it appeared that, of the Real players in with a realistic chance of being awarded the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Bellingham was perhaps the favourite following an excellent first half of the season, but he might need to accept a lower position in the ranking come October, along with Bayern Munich's Kane and France captain Kylian Mbappe, who each scored 44 times for their clubs this season.
Don't get me wrong… Bellingham had a phenomenal debut campaign in Spain. He contributed to an incredible 25 goals in 28 league appearances, scored nine match-winning goals across all competitions, and was named the LALIGA Player of the Season. It hardly could've gone better for 20-year-old midfielder, who seamlessly transitioned from a deeper role at Borussia Dortmund into a more attack-minded player at arguably the biggest club in world football, but even he has acknowledged his efforts could be overshadowed by those of his colleague – Vinicius Junior.
Public backing for the Brazilian
Speaking about the Ballon d'Or last week, Bellingham seemed to give his personal backing to his teammate when he said he "always felt that the Ballon d'Or and those kind of things were like for strikers and wingers, the flashy players. I know I can entertain a crowd but no one can do it like Vini." The former Birmingham City starlet continued his praise for the winger, saying: "I've said before that when he is at his best, he's the best player in the world. I know he likes to say the same about me and that's the kind of relationship we have. You don't always have to be friends with your teammates, but it helps when you can be so close off the pitch as well, and then on the pitch it reflects. We have a good understanding of each other's movement and if he was to win it, I'd feel just as proud as if I'd won it because I know that I've helped contribute to his success."
Check Out: Real Madrid Star Confirms Future After UCL Win
Since then, Vinicius has become the first player after Messi to score in two separate Champions League finals before the age of 24, with Carlo Ancelotti having also insisted he has "no doubts" the ex-Flamengo wonderkid deserves the award. While Bellingham scored some important goals in big matches, it can be argued that nobody this season, particularly in Europe, came up more clutch for Real than Vinicius. He scored the goal that ultimately secured Real's progression from the round of 16, he picked up two crucial assists in their 3-3 draw at home with Manchester City in their quarter-final first leg, he then scored twice against Bayern in the first leg of their semi-final, and then found the back of the net again in the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Disclaimer: SNL24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on SNL24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of SNL24.
