
Cristiano Ronaldo, forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, expressed his belief that Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid deserved the Ballon d'Or award.
The 24-year-old forward finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting, losing to midfielder Rodri from Manchester City and the Spain national team, who is a European champion.
Vinícius should have won the Ballon d'Or, but I'm not surprised, there is no credibility, I was very disappointed, he deserved it. I've been where Vini's been. He deserved it, but didn't get it, because it has no credibility.
It’s worth noting that Ronaldo himself has won the Ballon d'Or five times: FIFA's version in 2013 and 2014, and the France Football version in 2008, 2016, and 2017.
In the 2024/2025 season, Vinicius played 16 matches in La Liga, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists, as well as six matches in the UEFA Champions League (seven goals, one assist). The Brazilian winger's contract with Real Madrid runs until the end of June 2027, and Transfermarkt estimates his market value at €200 million.
On November 19, 2024, Vinicius told the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) website that he wishes to make the Brazil national team number one in the world.
On January 28, AS reported that the Real Madrid forward could move to an unnamed Saudi club and sign a five-year contract worth €1 billion.


