Vinicius Junior has enjoyed a fruitful season at Real Madrid, playing an important role in their La Liga title win as well as their road to the Champions League final.
However, he faces a stiff competition from club teammate and England international, Jude Bellingham.
Brazil national team head coach Dorival Junior noted that it would be a huge surprise if Vinicius does not win this prestigious award.
Dorival explained that among all the players who participated in the European Championship and Copa América, no one had a more consistent and balanced year than Vinicius Jr.
Considering everything Vinicius has achieved over this period, Dorival finds it hard to imagine anyone else winning the Ballon d’Or.
“The campaign he had during this period is the one that is going to shorten that path,” said Dorival as quoted by AS.
“Of all the players involved in the two competitions (Euro and Copa America), no one had a more balanced year than Vini Jr.
“I think this election is already happening, if it hasn’t already happened,” he added.
Vinicius missed 13 games this season due to thigh and hamstring injuries, however, he was able to come back stronger.
He managed to score an impressive 23 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions. In La Liga, the Brazilian international played 26 matches and had an average of scoring a goal every 125 minutes.
