Ex-Barcelona man Rivaldo endorses Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior for Ballon d’Or

Brazilian football legend Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira is tipping his compatriot Vinicius Junior for a shot at the prestigious Ballon d’Or this year, Soccernet.football reports.

Vinicius Junior is enjoying another exceptional season with Real Madrid, poised to surpass his previous goal-scoring records.

The 23-year-old forward is also gearing up to lead Brazil in this summer’s expanded Copa America in the United States, eyeing his first international trophy.

Now, Rivaldo, himself a former Ballon d’Or recipient, is throwing his weight behind Vinicius’ candidacy for football’s most coveted individual honour.

In an interview with Betfair, former Barcelona playmaker Rivaldo asserted that Vinicius should be strongly considered for the Ballon d’Or, outlining the scenario that could catapult him to the forefront.

“Vini Jr scored two goals in Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final first leg at Bayern Munich, and my compatriot is the standout player in Europe today,” Rivaldo said.

“He has been one of his team’s main players this season, showing a lot of desire. The team has adapted to his way of playing, and he is a great candidate to win the Ballon d’Or if Real Madrid win the Champions League.

“He’s already among the top three players in the world without being a champion of anything.

“Now, if Madrid get past Bayern next week and go on to win the Champions League, Vini has a great chance of being the best player of the season.”

Vinicius has been a standout performer for Real Madrid in the Champions League this season, registering five goals and four assists in just eight appearances.

The Brazilian sensation has not faltered in La Liga either, tallying 13 goals and five assists in 23 league games, while Real Madrid maintains a commanding lead atop the table.

With an 11-point cushion over second-placed Barcelona and only five league matches remaining, the Spanish giants are in a formidable position.