Real Madrid’s captain insists the Brazilian star has performed well enough to win the most prestigious individual award in football this year.

Coach Ancelotti highly rates Vinicius“My opinion is that Vinicius Jr will win the Ballon D’or (Golden Ball),” coach Carlo Ancelotti said during Real Madrid’s tour of the United States. “Carvajal also had a good season, winning La Liga, the Champions League, scoring in the Champions League final, winning the Euro.”

“But Vinicius has talent, a good image, played well in La Liga, scored in the semi-finals and final of the Champions League,” the Italian strategist concluded.

The race for the 2024 Golden Ball is heating up, with just over two months left until the award ceremony. Before the Euro and Copa America 2024 take place, Vinicius Jr is the leading candidate.

However, according to the Guardian, the Brazilian star is currently unlikely to surpass Rodri, Jude Bellingham or even Lionel Messi. Coach Ancelotti also admitted that Jude Bellingham and Rodri are two strong candidates for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

England’s failure in the Euro final has left Bellingham still underrated. Meanwhile, Rico Lewis, another Man City star, believes Rodri deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

“Personally, I think Rodri should and will win. In the past 3, 4 years, Rodri has always played extremely well and is the world’s best midfielder in his position,” the young Man City star affirmed.