"He did a lot with Real Madrid, he deserves it" - Brazil legend Rivaldo backs Los Blancos star to win Ballon d'Or this year

Brazil legend Rivaldo has tipped compatriot and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or after an impressive year with his club. The Brazil international is one of the leading names to be crowned as the winner of the individual award after the year he has had.

Vinicius Jr has become one of the main men for Real Madrid in recent years, helping the club win the UEFA Champions League in the 2023-24 season. Still only 24, the forward was nominated for the Ballon d'Or despite his struggles with the national team.

Rivaldo spoke with Mundo Deportivo about his choice for the Ballon d'Or, and he categorically stated that his compatriot deserves to win it. He did, however, acknowledge that the forward has a disappointing outing at the Copa America this summer, but it shouldn't hinder his chances.

"The first one should be Vinicius. Even though he didn’t win the Copa America… because it’s true that he didn’t have a good Copa America. But he did a lot with Real Madrid. He deserves it."

Vinicius Jr recorded 15 goals and five assists for Real Madrid during the 2023-24 LaLiga season in only 26 appearances as they won the title. He also contributed six goals and four assists in 10 appearances as his side won the Champions League, and he scored in the final. Vinicius Jr appeared three times in the Copa America in the USA, scoring two goals as his country were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place later this month on October 28, and the race is on to see who succeeds Lionel Messi as the winner of the award. Vinicius Jr has been in fine form to start the 2024-25 season, as well, with three goals and five assists in 11 appearances.

Rivaldo tips Real Madrid ace for third place in the 2024 Ballon d'Or

Brazilian legend Rivaldo has tipped Real Madrid man Jude Bellingham to finish in third place in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings. The England international took the world by storm in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu, and is widely regarded as one of the world's best.

Rivaldo told Mundo Deportivo that he thinks Bellingham had a brilliant season that warrants his place in the top three. The former Barcelona man selected Bellingham ahead of a number of other stars, only behind Vinicius Jr and Rodri.

"In third place, I would put Bellingham, who had a fantastic season with Real Madrid. You can always put several stars in there… but my top 3 would be this one," he said.

Bellingham left Borussia Dortmund for Madrid in the summer of 2023 and enjoyed a successful debut season in Carlo Ancelotti's side. The midfielder scored 19 times and provided six assists in 28 LaLiga appearances for Los Blancos, with another four goals in the Champions League.