Winning the Ballon d'Or award this year would be a far-fetched dream for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior but the attacker will have a much-improved chance next year. That is according to Brazilian legend Rivaldo, who believes his countryman is on the right path to becoming the finest footballer in the world.
It was indeed a wonderful outing for Vinicius Junior last season. The winger was one of the top performers in Real Madrid's squad during the campaign. He contributed an impressive 22 goals and 20 assists in 52 games as the Spanish giants claimed the Champions League and the Liga titles.
It was a massive leap, considering that he finished the previous campaign with six goals and seven assists in 49 appearances. Rivaldo, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1999, expects the 21-year-old to continue taking his game forward. The former Brazil international wrote in his column for Betfair:
"After a fantastic season with Real Madrid in which he became one of the Champions League final's star men by scoring the winner, I can only expect that Vini Jr. keeps improving."
"The season just gone he improved massively in terms of finishing and if he continues evolving and learning he might become Real Madrid's biggest star since Karim Benzema will have to retire one day."
With regard to the potential contenders for the Ballon d'Or award in 2023, Rivaldo wrote:
"Right now, it's tough to pick a favourite above any other player to win next year's Ballon d'Or when the season hasn't even started, but I don't see him [Vinicius Junior] below the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne or others."
Who is the favorite to win this year's Ballon d'Or award?
Following what proved to be an incredible season, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has emerged as the favorite to be named the best player in the world this year.
The Frenchman played a decisive role in inspiring his club to claim both the league title and the Champions League crown. He concluded the campaign with 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions and would definitely be a worthy winner.
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Ozbert
58
Vini Jr. for 2023 Ballon D'or. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Qiutjagz
41
This is Madrid news and Man City is all over the comment session...Seems y'all have forgotten how he humiliated FERNANDINHO,,or RODRYGO's two quick goals which shamelessly dumped you out of UCL have caused you guys AMNESIA suddenly... Dude had a great season and has improved massively,,he scored 22goals and assisted 20(42 goal contributions)and that's something a player from oil merchant can actually dream of...I expect you guys to hide your faces in shame but no,,the zero UCL in your trophy cabinet has damaged your 🧠 cells... 😂😂😂
MadridMaldives
31
It’s really nice to see a Barcelona legend backing up Vinicius for the BDO. I love how some Barcelona and City fans are losing their minds just because a former BDO winner and a football legend praised our raising superstar. 🤣🤣🤣
Wayabckos
31
Overrated Vinicius for ballon d'or in 2023 ???😂😂😂😂 rivaldo must be so high on weed. 2023 ballon d'or will be based on WC performances mostly and even if Brazil wins the WC it will be neymar as the star. vinicius is a benchwarmer at Brazil.
jubilee17
15
even the legend knows that time will come when the world will hail vinicious am a die hard fan of him he is a monster