Vinicius Jr. cemented his status as a global superstar and a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or after scoring in Real Madrid’s record-extending 15th Champions League victory on Saturday.
The 23-year-old Brazilian netted Real’s second goal against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, securing a dominant 2-0 victory and capping off a remarkable season. This comes two years after Vinicius’ winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool.
Vinicius’ performance drew praise from pundits like Rio Ferdinand, who declared, “He has the Ballon d’Or in the bag now.” His manager, Carlo Ancelotti, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Vinicius (for the) Ballon d’Or? No question about it.”
This season, Vinicius boasts an impressive 24 goals across all competitions, his most prolific campaign since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018. During his time at the Spanish giants, he has collected a staggering trophy haul, including three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey, and two Club World Cups.
While Vinicius shines brightly, his teammate Jude Bellingham has also emerged as a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or. The 20-year-old Englishman, acquired by Real Madrid last year for a record-breaking €103 million, has had a phenomenal debut season. He played a pivotal role in securing Real Madrid’s 36th La Liga title, finishing as the league’s third-highest goalscorer with 19 goals – tied with Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.
Bellingham’s assist to Vinicius in the Champions League final cemented his role as a key player for both club and country. The duo’s camaraderie was on full display after the match, with Bellingham interrupting Vinicius’ post-match interview with a playful shout in Portuguese.
Vinicius, however, seems more focused on celebrating the team’s achievements than individual awards. “I don’t care about the Ballon d’Or,” he declared amidst the Wembley celebrations. “People close to me tell me I’m the best and I believe it. That’s good for me.”
Both Vinicius and Bellingham will be strong contenders for the Ballon d’Or. While Vinicius will look to continue his success with Brazil at the Copa America, Bellingham has the opportunity to further strengthen his case at the European Championship with England. Regardless of the individual recognition, Vinicius seems content to enjoy the moment and keep adding to his trophy cabinet with Real Madrid.
