“He deserves it” - Real Madrid star backs Vinicius Jr for 2024 Ballon d’Or as Brazilian forward nets hat-trick in Borussia Dortmund comeback 

Luka Modric has backed Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or this year. The midfielder cited the Brazilian's last year's performances for picking him as his candidate to lift the prestigious award.

Speaking to CBS Sports after Los Blancos' 5-3 win over Borussia Dortmund, Modric heaped praise on Vinicus. He added that the forward's hat-trick against the German side further solidified his claim, saying (via TheMadridZone):

"Vini Jr. is definitely close to winning the Ballon d'Or. You look at how he played last season overall, this season, especially after tonight, he deserves it."

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has also backed Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or this year. He claimed that the Real Madrid star was consistent with his performances and said (via 90min):

"It's rare to see a player perform like Vinicius did in the second half, not just with the goals, but with an extraordinary energy, intensity, and character. I think he's going to win the Ballon d'Or for what he did last year, helping us win the Champions League, not for today's three goals, which will count towards next year's Ballon d'Or."

Vinicius Jr scored a hattrick in the second half to help Real Madrid win 5-2 against Dortmund after they were trailing 2-0 at halftime. The Spanish side were struggling to get into the game in the first half, but they picked up their pace just before the hour mark.

Ballon d'Or chasing Vinicius Jr wants to stay at Real Madrid forever

Vinicius Jr has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with ESPN reporting that the Brazilian has a $1 billion offer to make the move to the Middle East. However, the Brazilian has now rebuffed all reports and stated that he has no plans to leave Santiago Bernabeu.

He sees himself playing for the club for the rest of his career. He told the media (via ESPN):

"I'm still only 24. I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as possible to this team, which has given me everything since I arrived here. [Real Madrid coach Carlo] Ancelotti told me to keep it up, that I can always do more. But we have to improve and play like this from the off, otherwise the coach won't be able to take it. This is our competition and we want to win it again."

The Brazilian scored 24 goals and assisted 11 times last season in all competitions and is widely touted to win the Ballon d'Or this year.