Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has positioned himself as a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or award, following his goal in the Champions League final on Saturday.
The Brazilian netted Real’s second goal against Borussia Dortmund late on at Wembley to secure a 2-0 win and a record-extending 15th European crown for the Spanish side – as well as capping another brilliant season for the 23-year-old.
“Ballon d’Or! Vinicius Jr has just taken the Ballon d’Or,” former England defender Rio Ferdinand said in his role as a TV pundit as Vinicius celebrated his goal.
“He is now certain to win the Ballon d’Or. Amazing. Vinicius Jr has been exceptional during the crucial moments of this season’s Champions League. After scoring the winning goal in Real’s 14th European Cup victory over Liverpool in Paris two years ago, Vinicius ends this season with six goals in the Champions League and 15 in La Liga, which Real also won.”
His total haul of 24 goals in all competitions means it is the Brazilian’s most prolific season since he signed from Flamengo in 2018. In that time, he has won three LaLiga titles, two Champions Leagues, a Spanish Cup, and two Club World Cup crowns.
“Vinicius (for the) Ballon d’Or? No question about it,” his manager Carlo Ancelotti told reporters after the game. Another favorite for the award is Real midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has had a remarkable breakthrough season in Madrid since his 103-million-euro ($111.50-million) move from Dortmund last year.
The 20-year-old Englishman exceeded expectations to help his team claim a record-extending 36th Spanish league title, scoring 19 goals to finish as La Liga’s third-highest goalscorer, level with Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski.
He also set up Vinicius at Wembley, making Vinicius the first Brazilian to score in two Champions League finals. Later, Bellingham interrupted his teammate’s post-match interview with Brazilian TV by shouting “assistencia bonitinha” in Portuguese, before they both embraced while laughing.
“This is what this team is all about, it’s a tight group in which everyone speaks every language and everyone needs to learn every language,” Vinicius told TNT Sports.
Both players will be strong favorites for the award. Bellingham can enhance his case at the European Championship in Germany with England, while Vinicius will feature for Brazil at the Copa America. However, Vinicius was more concerned about enjoying the moment than potential individual accolades.
“I don’t care about the Ballon d’Or, people close to me and around me tell me that I’m the best and I believe it. That’s good for me,” Vinicius said during the celebrations at Wembley.
“I am very happy to win my second Champions League and to continue making history with this team that has won it so many times. I just want to keep going and enjoy the ride.”
