Brazilian legend claims Vinicius Junior is the best player in the world

Vinicius Junior has been backed by none other than Brazilian legend Ronaldo to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the former Real Madrid forward describing Los Blancos’ current No.7 as “by far the best player in the world” .

Vinicius enjoyed a domestic campaign to remember after playing a key role in Madrid claiming the La Liga title and finding the net in the team’s recent Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

With 24 goals in all competitions, the 23-year-old is a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, and if he wins he would become the fifth Brazilian to receive the prestigious award, after Kaka, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo (twice).

“I think Vini already deserves the Ballon d’Or,” said the latter ESPN. “I think his time has come. He has had a spectacular Champions League, a spectacular La Liga, and he is developing more and more.

“He has been extremely decisive for Real Madrid this year. For me, he is by far the best player in the world today.

“I remember giving his presentation the day he arrived at Real Madrid and I got along well with him. I talk a lot with Vini about football and certain details, and when I look at everything that happened, It’s a fantastic development he’s going through.”

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2002 for €46 million and wasted little time in establishing himself as one of the best players in the world.

Although injuries may have affected his availability, Ronaldo still scored 103 goals in 177 games. He became the fifth foreign player to score more than 100 goals for the club, after Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Hugo Sanchez and Ivan Zamorano.

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