With the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner set to be announced in a few weeks' time, the favourite to claim the prestigious award has reportedly already been revealed.
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According to Marca, it seems Real Madrid superstar winger Vinicius Junior is poised to beat out club teammate Jude Bellingham and Manchester City's Rodri for the illustrious prize this year.
The 24-year-old enjoyed another phenomenal campaign with Los Blancos last season, helping them win the LALIGA and UEFA Champions League titles courtesy of his 24 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
The reason why Vinicius is believed to be the supposed successor to Lionel Messi's 2023 victory is because there are rumours that Nike, who are the Brazilian's boot sponsors, plan on paying special tribute to their marquee client by reopening their Gran Via superstore in Madrid two days after the Ballon d'Or ceremony that is set to take place on 28 October.
The same report claims that the Sao Goncalo native will be inserted into a special golden display alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who won four Ballons d'Or during his time playing for Los Merengues.
While he may not be the first Real star to win the Golden Ball since the Portuguese icon – Luka Modric won it in 2018, and Karim Benzema claimed it in 2022 – Vinicius will be the first Brazilian to claim the accolade since Kaka was its recipient in 2007.
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Should he successfully get his hands on the award, he will be only the fifth Brazilian ever to do so, following in the footsteps of the aforementioned AC Milan talisman, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario.
