Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti has made a bold declaration: he believes that one of his players will be the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or. In a press conference on the eve of the highly anticipated Clasico against Barcelona, the European champion’s coach was asked about his thoughts on who deserved to take home the prestigious individual award. Without hesitation, Ancelotti replied, “We can say that Vinicius will be the next Ballon d’Or, without any doubt. Vini will win the Ballon d’Or, for me it’s very clear and no one else will be able to win it.”
The Real Madrid coach’s confidence in Vinicius’s abilities is well-deserved. The 22-year-old has made tremendous progress as a footballer, and Ancelotti is effusive in his praise for the young player. “He’s a boy very humble, he has made a lot of progress as a footballer, becoming one of the best in the world,” Ancelotti gushed. “He is the future Ballon d’Or winner and has the same humility and seriousness as the day I met him.”
Vinicius’s impressive performance in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory has only solidified his position as a global superstar. His stunning hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in the Wembley final, just a few days ago, left fans and pundits alike in awe. If Ancelotti’s prediction comes true, Vinicius will be the first Brazilian to win the award since Kakà in 2007, when Ancelotti was still the coach of AC Milan.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or will be awarded on October 28 at the Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, and Ancelotti’s statement has undoubtedly added to the excitement surrounding the event. With Vinicius’s talent and Ancelotti’s endorsement, it would be no surprise if the young Brazilian does indeed take home the top prize.
