Football

Vinícius deserves Ballon d’Or after Champions League win – Neymar

Neymar has tipped Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d’Or after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid. The 23-year-old youngster scored six goals and provided four assists in 10 games in Europe’s most elite tournament and thus he was also named as the 2023-24 Champions League Player of the Season on Monday.

Vinicius also scored the team’s second goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley after Jude Bellingham provided him the assist. Furthermore, the Brazilian scored 15 goals and provided five assists in Real Madrid’s La Liga triumph in the 2023-24 season.

“As for Vini, obviously I think the Ballon d’Or is his today,” Neymar said as quoted by ESPN.

“I sent [him] messages before and after the [Champions League final] game. He’s a boy I love with passion, a great friend that football gave me. He will certainly be crowned with the Ballon d’Or.

“He’s incredible. Carrying our country’s flag around the world and we’re really rooting for him.”

Meanwhile, former star Kaka was the last Brazilian to win the coveted Ballon d’Or award back in 2007. Neymar, who is considered one of the best players of the current generation, has never won the award. He came third in 2015 behind winner Lionel Messi and runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neymar is currently recovering from a serious knee injury. 

Asked about reports that he is considering a return to Brazilian club Santos next year, Neymar said: “No. What they said is a total lie. There’s nothing planned. I have one more year on my contract with Al Hilal. I hope I can have a great season. I missed out on that last one. Let’s live little by little. There’s a lot of time ahead. Obviously Santos is my favorite team, one day I want to return, yes, but I don’t have anything planned in my head.”

Last summer, Neymar signed a two-year contract with Al Hilal.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Shubman Gill says India would be disappointed if they don’t play the WTC final

Indian captain Shubman Gill said they would be disappointed if they don’t qualify for the… Read More

October 2, 2025

IND vs WI 2025: Jasprit Bumrah becomes joint fastest Indian pacer to 50 wickets at home

India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has become the joint fastest Indian pacer to take… Read More

October 2, 2025

Ravindra Jadeja says he would be happy to contribute as a vice-captain in IND vs WI Tests

India’s veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja revealed he was not told by the team management regarding… Read More

October 2, 2025

Next 2-3 Years, you will play for India: Abhishek Sharma recalls conversation with mentor Yuvraj Singh

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma recalled how mentor Yuvraj Singh lifted his morale when he was… Read More

October 2, 2025

‘Spoke to Tendulkar and Steve Smith before England series’: Shubman Gill reveals advice from them

Indian captain Shubman Gill revealed he spoke to Sachin Tendulkar and Steve Smith before the… Read More

October 2, 2025

Abhishek Sharma reveals how Suryakumar Yadav backed him in T20I team after Asia Cup success

India’s opener Abhishek Sharma revealed captain Suryakumar Yadav backed him to the hilt when he… Read More

October 2, 2025