Ballon d'Or 2024: Ederson backs Vinicius Junior for Ballon d'Or over Manchester City team-mate Rodri
Published 13/10/2024 at 18:43 GMT+1
The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held at the end of October, with Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and Manchester City midfielder Rodri the favourites to win the esteemed award. City goalkeeper Ederson has given his verdict, claiming fellow Brazilian Vinicius would be a worthy winner over club team-mate Rodri, who is out for the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
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Vinicius Junior would be a worthy winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, according to Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.
The Brazilian winger enjoyed a superb season for Real Madrid, helping his side to the La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles with 24 goals in all competitions.
Vinicius, who scored his side's second goal in last season's Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, is alongside Manchester City midfielder Rodri as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or.
Ederson has given his backing to his compatriot.
"I support Vinicius, he deserves it for everything he did last season," Ederson told TNT Sports Brazil.
"I support Vinicius, also for Rodri and whoever wins it, it will be a deserved award, but I think Vini deserves it for everything he did in the Champions League, for everything he did last season, but if Rodri wins, I will also be happy."
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Rodri is considered a strong contender for the award after another exceptional season with City, as well as his influence for Spain in their successful Euro 2024 campaign.
The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, becoming an indispensable figure in Pep Guardiola's all-conquering team.
But Vinicius, perhaps with the extra glamour that comes with goals and assists, is currently the bookies' favourite to be recognised with a Ballon d'Or.
Rodri, speaking to TNT Sports in September, admitted being nominated was already a victory.
"It is great to be there with these players. It is great that the people value your performance and your talent," he said.
"For me, it's already a victory what the people say about me, the recognition I have.
"It's not something that has pushed me, individual awards. It's just a consequence of the work. But I think it would be great for my country.
"We have just won [the Euros], we have some of the best players ever, and we have the best football. It would be good – not just for me, I would say for any Spanish player – for the country."
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Vinicius, meanwhile, would be the first Brazilian to win the Ballon d'Or since Kaka in 2007. He would join a distinguished list of Ballon d'Or winners from the South American country that includes Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
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