Gold ball? Ancelotti sees Vini Jr ‘very close’ and puts two conditions < In Attack

One of Real Madrid’s protagonists in the 2023/24 season, 23-year-old striker Vinícius Júnior is “very close” to winning the Ballon d’Or. At least, that’s what coach Carlo Ancelotti believes. However, the Italian commander sets two conditions for this to actually happen: the Brazilian needs to win the Champions League and Copa América this year to become the best player in the world. The coach spoke about the matter this Friday (10/5).

“I think Vinicius is doing well. There’s still the final and then the Copa América, I think he’s very close. I think he can win”, ponders Ancelotti.

“He is among the best. It depends on the moment and this is Vinicius’ moment. He helped us reach the final and win the championship. I don’t want to forget the others. It’s Real Madrid’s moment, until June 1st, and then you don’t know, it could be Dortmund’s moment”, he added.

Will Vini Jr receive the Ballon d’Or?

Spanish champion and Champions League finalist, Vini Jr has 21 goals and nine assists in 36 games this season.

At Real Madrid since the 2018/19 season, Vini Jr already has 11 titles with the club.

He has won the Club World Cup twice (2018 and 2022); has a Champions League (2021/22); three Spanish Championship titles (2019/20, 2021/22 and 2023/24); three Spanish Super Cups (2019/20, 2021/22 and 2023/24), one UEFA Super Cup (2022) and one Copa del Rey (2022–23).

“When I arrived here, I had only seen him on television and thought he had a spectacular talent. When I arrived, I also saw him as spectacular, and around this talent he gained many more things. His ability to let go, more efficiency in front of goal… He did this with spectacular daily work, very focused in training and in games. He is a very serious professional who deserves what he achieved”, praised Ancelotti.