Neymar claims 'incredible' Vinicius 'will certainly be crowned with the 2024 Ballon d'Or'
Brazilian legend Neymar Jr believes compatriot Vinicius Junior has been the best player on the planet in 2024 - so he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.
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The 23-year-old is hoping to crown what has already been a sensational year by guiding his country to Copa America glory this summer.
That would be icing on the cake for a player who has just lifted his second UEFA Champions League title, after helping Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
He even got himself on the scoresheet at Wembley, just like he did in helping Los Blancos defeat Liverpool two years ago.
And that has done enough to convince Neymar that his fellow Brazilian deserves individual honours.
"Obviously I think the Ballon d'Or is his today," the former Barcelona striker said.
"I sent messages before and after the game [Champions League final]. He's a boy I love with passion, a great friend that football gave me.
"He will certainly be crowned with the Ballon d'Or."
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Vinicius scored six goals in the Champions League this season, and as such was named as the competition's best player for 2023/24.
He was also voted into the La Liga team of the campaign after helping Real Madrid to another Spanish crown.
That has led to calls for a first Ballon d'Or, having finished sixth in the voting last year.
The award has also eluded Neymar during his career, although he did come third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in 2017.
Indeed, no Brazilian has lifted the award since Kaka in 2007, but Neymar hopes that will change soon, especially if Dorival Junior's side win a tenth Copa America this summer.
"He's incredible," continued Neymar. "He's carrying our country's flag around the world and we're really rooting for him."