After Neymar chose who he believes must win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Brazil legends Rivaldo and Ronaldo Nazario have picked who they think should be handed the prestigious prize later this year.
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In comments earlier this week, the Al Hilal and Selecao winger said Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior would be a deserving winner of the accolade following his excellent 2023/24 campaign.
The 23-year-old contributed to an impressive 35 goals in 39 games for Los Blancos as Carlo Ancelotti's men were crowned LALIGA and European champions.
Vinicius produced special moments in important matches for Real in the UEFA Champions League in particular, scoring in their 2-0 victory in the final over Borussia Dortmund last weekend.
His exploits have led Rivaldo to believe the ex-Flamengo prodigy should be considered the frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or.
"He's a very dedicated boy," he told ESPN Brasil.
"He arrived at Real Madrid and went to Real Madrid B to learn. He played a few games and we could see that he still needed a bit of time to learn how to score.
"And he learnt! He trained hard and dedicated himself. Today, you can see that he has a much easier time scoring.
"So, Vini is a player to be congratulated. He deserves the Ballon d'Or. Of course, there's nothing better for him than to secure the award once and for all than by winning the Copa America now, right? Today, he already deserves the award, but if he wins the Copa America, even better."
Ronaldo Nazario shares his former colleague's sentiments, saying he feels the Real superstar is the "best player in the world by far".
"I think Vini already deserves it. He's had a spectacular Champions League, a spectacular LALIGA, and he's been evolving more and more," he said.
"I remember that I did his presentation the day he arrived at Real Madrid and I got on well with him. I talk to Vini a lot about football and certain details and, looking at everything that's happened, it's a fantastic development that he's making.
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"I think his time has come. He's been extremely decisive this year for Real Madrid."
Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or twice in his career, in 1997 and 2022, while Rivaldo claimed the accolade in 1999.
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