Ballon d'Or 2024 Organizers Reportedly Leak Winner Ahead of Time

Reports from Spain have disclosed that Vinicius Jr. is set to be crowned the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The official ceremony is scheduled for Monday, October 28, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, beginning at 8 p.m. CEST.

This prestigious accolade will see Vinicius Jr. join the ranks of legendary Real Madrid players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema.

Vinicius Jr., who has been instrumental in Real Madrid's success, played a pivotal role in securing both La Liga and the Champions League titles last season.

His remarkable performance included scoring the decisive goal that clinched Real Madrid’s record-extending 15th European title. Over the 2023-24 campaign, he amassed an impressive tally of 24 goals and 11 assists, contributing significantly to his team's triumphs.

The selection process for the Ballon d'Or involves a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, who cast their votes based on players' performances over a single European season, team success, player behavior, and fair play.

Each journalist submits a top five, with points allocated accordingly: six points for the first choice, four for the second, and so on. The player with the highest total points is declared the winner.

Despite strong competition from other notable contenders like Manchester City's Rodri and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr.'s exceptional contributions have set him apart. If confirmed, he will become the first Brazilian to win the award since Kaka in 2007, joining an elite group of Brazilian legends including Ronaldo Nazário, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho.

The anticipation surrounding the 2024 Ballon d'Or has been intense, with debates raging over the potential winners. However, it appears that Vinicius Jr.'s stellar season has earned him this coveted honor, marking a major milestone in his career and further solidifying his status as one of football's brightest stars.