We are merely a week away from the much-awaited Ballon d’Or gala, which Real Madrid are expected to dominate.
Indeed, as defending champions of Europe, Los Blancos have at least four candidates who can make the case for the prestigious Ballon d’Or title this year.
That list includes the likes of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham.
Vinicius, in particular, has a great chance of securing the Ballon d’Or this year, having played a key role in helping Real Madrid win their 15th Champions League title last season.
Real Madrid sure about Vinicius’ triumph
According to a report from Diario AS, Real Madrid are confident Vinicius will lift the Ballon d’Or trophy next week, thanks to his blazing performances for the club.
Indeed, the Real Madrid camp believes there is no other candidate except Vinicius – not even Man City’s Rodri nor his own teammates like Mbappe or Carvajal.
The club believe Vinicius has been too influential to be not awarded a Ballon d’Or title. He has, after all, scored 88 goals while racking up 82 assists in 277 matches for the club.
What has struck the most about Vinicius is that the player has continued his form, even in the new season, with his most recent display of brilliance coming in the win over Celta Viga last night.
But more than his figures, it is Vinicius’ tendency to show up in big matches, which has helped Real Madrid maintain their dominance in the Champions League.
Now, it remains to be seen whether or not Vinicius will be rewarded for his efforts with a maiden Ballon d’Or title.
Should he win the Ballon d’Or next week, Vinicius will become the first Brazilian since 2007 to win the prestigious title. Overall, he will become the fifth Brazilian player to achieve the feat, joining the likes of Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka.