Real Madrid defender, Eder Militao, holds the belief that Brazilian winger, Vinicius Junior, stands as a stronger contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or compared to English midfielder, Jude Bellingham. Vinicius has notably showcased his prowess both with Real Madrid and the Brazil national team over the past two seasons.
This season alone, the 23-year-old Brazilian has delivered an impressive performance, tallying 23 goals and 11 assists across 37 appearances in various competitions for Real Madrid. Vinicius’s skill set, encompassing speed, dribbling finesse, and physical strength, has been instrumental to his success on the field.
Simultaneously, Jude Bellingham, having recently joined Real Madrid, has emerged as one of the most promising young talents globally. The Englishman, aged 18, has demonstrated remarkable prowess, contributing 23 goals and 13 assists in 40 games across competitions for Real Madrid this season.
While some pundits advocate for Bellingham’s candidacy for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Militao firmly supports Vinicius’s claim to the prestigious award. He stated, “Both are exceptional, but Vinicius stands out. Vinicius for Ballon d’Or? He’s outstanding; with continued performance, he could claim the title soon.”
In contrast, Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has downplayed the possibility of veteran midfielder Toni Kroos clinching the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Ancelotti expressed that while he wishes success for Kroos, aged 34, winning the award seems unlikely. However, he emphasized that triumphing in the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and aiding Germany to victory in the European Championship could enhance Kroos’s chances. Ancelotti remarked, “Though it’s a stretch, if Kroos secures victories in the Champions League and Euro with Germany, he could be a contender.”
