Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham: Former Real Madrid star names ‘favourite’ for Ballon d’Or

Former Real Madrid striker Emmanuel Adebayor has named Vinicius Junior as his top pick for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, Soccernet.football reports.

Adebayor, who played for Real Madrid in 2011, praised Vinicius for his outstanding performances this season.

The Brazilian winger has scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists in 37 matches across all competitions, playing a crucial role in Madrid’s run to the Champions League final.

With Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe’s teams, Bayern Munich and PSG, knocked out in the semi-finals, Vinicius and Bellingham have emerged as strong contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

Bellingham, in his debut season at Real Madrid, has also impressed with 23 goals and 12 assists as a midfielder.

In an interview with Marca, Adebayor said: “I love Mbappé. I am very close to the family, but what Vinicius is doing now is simply incredible. Jude Bellingham did it for several months, but now Vinicius.”

He continued, “If you ask me today I would tell you that I am going with Vinicius, but this today, tomorrow everything can change.

“Obviously, if you see how Real Madrid is playing now, because of what they have been through and what they have learned from it, he is the big favorite.

“His mentality of never giving up regardless of the situation, continuing to fight for the result, that’s what he’s been doing for several years.”

Despite PSG’s semi-final exit, Mbappe has still had a prolific season with 44 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.