Vinicius Jr Ballon d’Or victory CONFIRMED

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 23 Oct 2024 14:17 BST
• 3 min read

Vinicius Jr will win the 2024 Ballon d’Or next week, according to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday 28 October at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr is the red-hot favourite with the bookmakers to win the prestigious prize, with only Man City and Spain midfielder Rodri considered a potential rival to deny him.

READ MORE: Who will win Ballon d’Or 2024? Shortlist, favourites, latest odds, date and past winners

But, according to Vini Jr’s Madrid manager Ancelotti, the destiny of the prize is all but secured.

“Vinicius Jr WILL win the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion. He will get the award,” said Ancelotti after the Brazilian scored a brilliant second half hattrick in Real Madrid’s 5-2 comeback win in the Champions League on Tuesday.

“It’s not about tonight… it’s what he did last season. Tonight’s hat-trick can help his case for the next Ballon d’Or!”

Marca report that Vini Jr’s sponsors Nike have already started plans to rebrand their Madrid store to celebrate his win after the ceremony.

Vini Jr enjoyed a brilliant 2023-24 season as he inspired Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double, scoring in the 2-0 final win over Borussia Dortmund in the UCL final.

READ MORE: Real Madrid top scorers 2024/25

He has started the current season in impressive fashion too, with eight goals and seven assists in 14 matches in all competitions.

Vinicius Jr summer offer from Saudi Arabia

Vinicius Jr had an eventful summer in the summer transfer market amidst strong reports that the Saudi Pro League offered him a €1 BILLION contract to move to their league.

The offer would have seen the Brazilian earn €200 million per year over five seasons.

The offer was 20 times higher than what he currently earns at Real Madrid.

The plan was to make Vinicius Jr the face of the Saudi Pro League, and for him to also be a key ambassador for their hosting of the 2034 World Cup.

Vini was reported to have strongly considered the offer, but in the end he opted to stay at Madrid.