In a recent interview with RMC Sport, Brazilian star Neymar shared his top picks for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. According to the report, Neymar stated, “Vinicius Junior is first, Rodrygo [Goes] and Bellingham share second place. I’ll put Mbappe in third place.”It’s worth noting that the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 28 in Paris. The list of nominees for the prestigious award will be announced on September 4.
Neymar’s selections reflect his deep knowledge of the game and the talents of his peers. The inclusion of his compatriot Vinicius Junior as the favorite to win the award showcases the rising prominence of the young Brazilian winger. Pairing him with fellow Real Madrid standout Rodrygo and English prodigy Jude Bellingham in the runner-up positions highlights the depth of top-tier talent in world football.
As one of the most accomplished and respected players in world football, Neymar’s insights on the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or hold significant weight. The Brazilian superstar, who currently plies his trade for both the Brazilian national team and the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, has provided a fascinating glimpse into his predictions for the prestigious individual award.In a recent interview with RMC Sport, Neymar outlined his top three picks for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, stating, “Vinicius Junior is first, Rodrygo [Goes] and Bellingham share second place. I’ll put Mbappe in third place.”Neymar’s selection of Vinicius Junior as the favorite to win the award is particularly noteworthy. The young Brazilian winger has been in scintillating form for Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giants to a domestic league title and an emphatic UEFA Champions League triumph last season. Vinicius’ dazzling displays, coupled with his growing maturity and goal-scoring prowess, have made him one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
Pairing Vinicius with his Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo Goes in the runner-up position is a testament to the depth of talent in Los Blancos’ squad. Rodrygo’s own performances have been crucial to the team’s success, with the Brazilian midfielder’s creativity and eye for goal complementing Vinicius’ explosive style of play.The inclusion of Jude Bellingham in Neymar’s second-place predictions is a recognition of the English midfielder’s rapid ascent to the upper echelons of the game. After his impressive displays for Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham secured a high-profile move to Real Madrid, where he has continued to showcase his exceptional technical abilities, tireless work rate, and tactical awareness.
Neymar’s placement of his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe in third position is a nod to the French forward’s continued excellence. Mbappe, who has been a consistent contender for the Ballon d’Or in recent years, led PSG to the Ligue 1 title and the French Cup last season, further cementing his status as one of the world’s premier attacking talents.The achievements of these players during the 2022-23 campaign undoubtedly contributed to Neymar’s assessment of their Ballon d’Or candidacy. Their ability to win major trophies and deliver exceptional individual performances at the highest levels of the game have made them leading contenders for the coveted award.
As the football world eagerly awaits the official announcement of the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees, Neymar’s predictions will undoubtedly be a topic of intense discussion and analysis. The Brazilian’s unique perspective, forged through his own experiences and interactions with the game’s elite, adds a fascinating layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the potential winners.Ultimately, Neymar’s insights provide a valuable glimpse into the thinking of a seasoned and respected player who has shared the pitch with many of the contenders. While his predictions may not necessarily align with the final outcome, they serve as a thought-provoking starting point for the conversations that will undoubtedly surround the 2024 Ballon d’Or race.