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Former AC Milan and Brazil goalkeeper Dida has backed Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d'Or this year. He heaped praise on the Real Madrid winger and said that he deserves to win the award.
The Ballon d'Or 2024 ceremony is just two weeks away as the Theatre du Chatalet in Paris will host it on October 28. There are a number of candidates in the running for the men's award, including Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, and Rodri. However, the Brazilian is arguably the favorite to win the coveted prize.
In a recent interview with Stats Perform, legendary AC Milan goalkeeper backed Vinicius to win the award, saying (via Fotmob):
"Vinicius is a great kid, a great player, a top player. He did very well last year, he scored goals, he gave assists, that's why.
"If he wins, it's because he deserves to win it because he did very well, we hope he manages to win this Ballon d’Or."
Vinicius had a stellar 2023-24 campaign with Real Madrid. He helped them win three trophies - UEFA Champions League, LaLiga title, and the Supercopa de Espana. He scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 games across competitions.
Vinicius stepped up at key moments for the side. This includes a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana and a goal against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final. He also won the Champions League Player of the Season award.
Real Madrid star says he would've given the Ballon d'Or to Toni Kroos
Real Madrid have seven players in the 30-men shortlist for the Ballon d'Or award this year despite the absence of Rodrygo Goes. They are Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valverde, and Kylian Mbappe.
In a recent interview, Valverde spoke about inheriting the No. 8 shirt from his idol Kroos and how the German should win the 2024 Ballon d'Or on October 28. He said (via Managing Madrid):
“I would have given Toni Kroos a Ballon d’Or. I hesitated taking his number 8 [after his retirement].
“Deep down I wanted it more than anything. But I had doubts… the fear of not being up to par. We are talking about a player that marked history at this club and in football.”
Kroos played a huge role in Real Madrid's success last season, which also ended up being his last campaign as a professional footballer. He registered one goal and 10 assists in 48 games across competitions and helped them control matches. Los Blancos have struggled in his absence this season so far.
