Neymar has backed Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior to claim the 2024 Ballon d’Or later this month.
Vinicius is the favourite to claim the prize after helping Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double in 2023/24.
The 24-year-old scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions and was named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.
He earned that accolade after a decisive role in Europe, where he scored twice in the semi-finals against Bayern Munich and in the final win over Borussia Dortmund.
Club teammate Jude Bellingham is also thought to be in contention, having claimed La Liga’s Player of the Season award. Manchester City midfielder Rodri is another player in the frame, having won the Premier League and Euro 2024 with Spain.
Neymar, however, has backed his fellow countryman to claim football’s greatest individual honour. Vinicius could become the fifth Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or, after Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka.
“I’m with Vinicius Jr for the Ballon d’Or. No one deserves it more than him,” Neymar told AS.
“He is a fighter, suffered a lot throughout his life, he exceeded all expectations, he overcame all the criticisms, trolls and today he has become a great idol, a hero for us.”
