Vinicius’ past comments on Ballon d’Or resurface as crowning moment inches closer | OneFootball

With the Ballon d’Or ceremony set to take place tonight at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, everything indicates that Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. will return home with the Golden Orb.

The 24-year-old wing-wizard enjoyed a sensational 2023/24 season during which he helped Real Madrid win La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup titles.

Vinicius finished the season with 28 goals and 13 assists across competitions and is seen as the heavy favourite to win the Ballon d’Or at tonight’s gala ahead of Manchester City superstar Rodri and Inter Milan ace Lautaro Martinez.

Vinicius’ past comments on Ballon d’Or

Ahead of what could be the biggest night of his career, Vinicius Jr.’s past comments about winning the Ballon d’Or have now resurfaced.

Back in 2019, when he was still a teenager, the Brazilian winger gave an interview during which he claimed that winning the Golden Orb was a dream of his that he believed he could achieve at the age of 25 or 26.

“Yes, I see myself winning the Ballon d’Or. I’m working to get it. I see myself winning it when I’m 25 or 26, in full maturity,” Vinicius had said, as quoted by MARCA.

Ballon d’Or incoming? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“It’s not easy, it’s very difficult, but I’m already playing with the best at 18. When I’m 26 I’ll be doing all the right things. I think that playing here with the best players who always help me on the pitch, I think I can win the Ballon d’Or.”

Now, as fate would have it, Vinicius is on the cusp of winning the Ballon d’Or award – that too a year earlier than he predicted he would win it.

Even though the likes of Rodri, Dani Carvajal, and Lautaro Martinez are worthy contenders, Vinicius appears to be the overwhelming favourite to grab the prestigious honour tonight in Paris.