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Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has claimed that his countryman and Los Blancos superstar Vinicius Jr. will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The former full-back made the claim in a public appearance after Real's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Madrid Derby (September 30).
Vinicius is widely regarded as one of the best attackers in world football at the moment, renowned for his silky dribbling, flair and lethal finishing. He enjoyed a spectacular campaign in the 2024-25 season, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances.
The Brazilian helped his side win La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana. Along with his teammates Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, he is one the favorites to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or title.
While Bellingham, Mbappe (for Paris Saint-Germain) and Rodri had impressive individual campaigns, Carlos claimed that he is 'sure' of Vini's victory and said (via Madrid Universal):
"Vini is super calm. He knows he is very close to being the best in the world. He played some great games last season and this year, we are trying to make him more relaxed with the crowds and the Ballon d'Or is there. I'm very sure he's going to win it."
Vinicius' 2024-25 season has got off to a flyer, with three goals and seven assists in 10 appearances thus far. Up next, he will likely be in action in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League fixture against French side LOSC Lille (October 2).
Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos speaks up about racism issue surrounding Vinicius Jr.
Speaking after Real Madrid's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in La Liga, club legend Roberto Carlos spoke up about the issues of racism surrounding superstar forward Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian attacker has been the subject of racist chants and acts over the past few seasons in La Liga. He has opened up about the experience on multiple occasions, calling for Spain to be stripped of their hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup if the issue isn't resolved.
Carlos asserted that Spain isn't a racist country - however, he called for stricter measures to prevent anti-social elements from engaging in racist activities in Spain. He said:
"I don't think Spain is a racist country. I went to the pitch to enjoy myself and when I got the ball I expected people to get fed up... Vinicius may have said some phrases but it was an interview and if he makes a mistake I'll pull his ears. Vinicius has to be treated with affection."
"The Vini thing is over, the insults for being black. I am black and I have that joie de vivre [joy of life] for being black. And when we go, we all go down there. We have to put an end to racism," Carlos added.
Earlier this year, Vinicius had claimed that he and his Real Madrid teammates would walk off the pitch if he faces more racist abuse moving forward. The club have also launched multiple complaints, calling for lifetime bans for the guilty parties.
