Nike to release special Ballon d'Or boots for Real Madrid superstar if he wins award - Reports

Nike is reported to release special Ballon d'Or boots for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian is touted as one of the favorites to win the award on October 28, 2024, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.

The 24-year-old was instrumental for Los Blancos in the 2023-24 season. He helped Los Blancos do the La Liga-UEFA Champions League double and also lift the Supercopa de Espana. The Brazilian especially shone in the Champions League, recording six goals and five assists in 10 games, including a goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund.

Vinicius Jr. was a nightmare for defenders last season with his marauding runs down the left flank. In addition to making those runs, he would often cut into the middle and unleash a shot with his right foot. He also tracked back and helped his side defend at times, making himself an indispensable asset for Carlo Ancelotti. The Brazilian recorded 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games for Los Blancos across competitions in 2023-24.

According to a report by Footy Headlines (via @theMadridZone), Nike is all set to release a pair of Ballon d'Or boots specially for Vinicius Jr.

A recent report by Spanish outlet Marca states that the Brazilian already knows that he will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. He will be beating some tough competition, with teammates Jude Bellingham, Manchester City's Rodri, and Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez also in the running.

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Real Madrid's record Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo once sent special boots to Vinicius Jr.

FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2014 - Source: Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo sent special Nike boots to football's five rising stars - Vinicius Jr., Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Bruno Fernandes, and Ansu Fati back in 2020.

Vinicius Jr. expressed his jubilation and gratitude in a YouTube video in 2020, saying:

"Now here we have Cristiano Ronaldo's new cleats. He sent me himself. Gotta thank him. Feels good? I don't know if I play or of I dance. I want to thank Nike, thank Cristiano for choosing me."

The Brazilian also hailed Ronaldo as an idol for everyone at Real Madrid.

"He is an idol, not only for me but for everyone in the world, especially here in Madrid. For all of those who cheer for Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo. May these cleats help me achieve many things just like he did here in Madrid, " said Vinicius.

During his nine-year stint at Real Madrid (2009-2018), Cristiano Ronaldo scored a whopping 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 games across competitions. He is the club's all-time top scorer.

Ronaldo, along with Lionel Messi established an uncontested duopoly over the Ballon d'Or for a decade (2008-2017). Together they won 13 Ballons d'Or (Messi with eight and Ronaldo with five) - the most by any two players in football history.