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‘He is an idol for all of us’ — Brazil legend Neymar picks Ballon d’Or winner
Former Barcelona and PSG forward Neymar has expressed his strong support for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. as the most deserving winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
In a recent interview, Neymar highlighted Vinicius’s exceptional performance during the 2023-24 season, positioning him as a frontrunner for the prestigious award, which he competes for alongside other notable players like Manchester City’s Rodri, Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham, and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman.
“I will be supporting him [Vinicius] to win the Ballon d’Or this year,” Neymar stated in an interview with *Marca*. “For me, there is no other better candidate to win.”
Neymar praised Vinicius’s resilience and determination, emphasizing the challenges he has faced on his journey to stardom. “He’s a guy who deserves it because he’s a fighter. He has suffered a lot throughout his life, but he has exceeded all expectations and criticism. He has become an idol for all of us,” Neymar added.
The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be announced in Paris on October 28, and Neymar’s endorsement adds significant weight to Vinicius’s candidacy.