)
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has picked the most deserving winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has tipped Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d'Or award this year.
In an interview with TNT Sports Brazil, Enrique expressed his admiration for Vinicius, saying:
"Who's going to win it? I hope it's Vinícius Júnior, a Brazilian. He'd deserve it, for sure."
However, Enrique emphasised that individual awards aren't his priority:
)
23:59 - 22.10.2024
‘He is going to win the Ballon d’Or’ — Ancelotti believes Vinicius deserves this year's and next year’s awards
Vinicius' performance against Borussia Dortmund has practically sealed the 2024 Ballon d'Or in his favour
"Honestly, as a coach, I don't really care much about these individual awards. I don't believe in them at all. They're just part of the marketing.
"Yeah, they recognize a player who's done well, scored a lot, and won titles, but without the team, a player is nothing."
)
Vinicius faces stiff competition from Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe, as well as Nigeria's Ademola Lookman.
Enrique's decision to back Vinicius comes after Lionel Messi revealed Lautaro Martinez as his pick for the award.
Martinez won the Serie A title and Golden Boot with Inter Milan before helping Argentina to the Copa America title over the summer.
The winner will be announced on October 28 in Paris.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)