Neymar has confidently predicted that, Vinícius Júnior, deserves to win Ballon d’Or award following his phenomenal season with Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old has been in good form, culminating in his recognition as the 2023-24 Champions League Player of the Season on Monday.
His impressive goal tally of six in the competition, including a crucial strike in the 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley, has cemented his status as a top contender for the coveted Ballon d’Or honor.
Neymar said
“As for Vini, obviously I think the Ballon d’Or is his today.”
“I sent [him] messages before and after the [Champions League final] game.
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.
“He’s incredible. Carrying our country’s flag around the world and we’re really rooting for him.”
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The last Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or was AC Milan great Kaka in 2007.
Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, has often been a contender for the prestigious individual award but never won.
The closest he came was a third-place finish in 2015 behind winner Lionel Messi and runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo.
Neymar is still recovering from a serious knee injury he suffered while on international duty in October and is looking forward to making a full recovery to play for Saudi champions Al-Hilal next season.
Asked about reports that he is considering a return to Brazilian club Santos next year
“No. What they said is a total lie. There’s nothing planned. I have one more year on my contract with Al-Hilal.
I hope I can have a great season. I missed out on that last one. Let’s live little by little.
There’s a lot of time ahead. Obviously Santos is my favorite team, one day I want to return, yes, but I don’t have anything planned in my head.”
Neymar left PSG and signed a two-year contract with Al-Hilal last summer, but failed to impressed due to injury he sustain at international duty.
