“On Monday, the world will watch you become the best” - Premier League stars send message to Vinicius Jr ahead of Ballon d’Or ceremony

Premier League players and Brazil internationals Richarlison and Andreas Pereira have extended their support for compatriot Vinicius Jr. ahead of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

While the winner is yet to be announced, Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. is one of the biggest contenders for the coveted individual award. In fact, Spanish publication Marca has claimed that the 24-year-old winger has already been told that he has won the award.

As the day is fast approaching, Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison and Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira verbally expressed their support for Vini in the Ballon d’Or race. Richarlison said (via Madrid Xtra):

“Hi, Vini! All my support for you and may God always bless you. On Monday, all fans of Brazil and the world will watch you become the best in the world!”

Pereira asserted that his compatriot would win the individual accolade, saying:

“Hey, Vini! You will definitely win the Golden Ball. You are an example on and off the pitch. We’re rooting for you, good luck my friend!”

Apart from Richarlison and Andreas Pereira, Neymar Jr. is another Brazilian who backed Vinicius to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Vini’s stellar campaign with Real Madrid in the 2023-24 season has reportedly earned him a top spot in the Ballon d’Or rankings. He was an integral part of Real Madrid’s triumph in the La Liga, Champions League, and Supercopa de Espana last season. He registered 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions.

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Inter Miami coach backs Vinicius to win the Ballon d’Or but says Lionel Messi is the best

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino has also given his support to Vinicius Jr. in the 2024 Ballon d’Or race. The Argentine manager says the Real Madrid winger is deserving of the award but opines that his player and compatriot Messi is the best player right now. Martino said (via ESPN):

"It [the Ballon d'Or] has never been something that caught my attention, nor was it clear to me whether the award is for the best in the world or of the year. Vinícius Júnior probably has the merit [of being the best last season], although if you ask me who is the best right now, it's Messi."

If Vinicius is named the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner on Monday, he will be the first Brazilian to win the award since Kaka won it in 2007. He will be the third person not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to claim it since 2008 after Luka Modric (2018) and Karim Benzema (2022).