Vinicius for Ballon D'or or not?: El Clasico performance leaves fans divided

Time flies, and Vinicius Jr.’s Ballon d’Or discussions are a clear example of its impact. Once touted as a frontrunner for the prestigious award following his remarkable hat trick in Real Madrid’s thrilling comeback win over Borussia Dortmund, Vinicius’s candidacy took a hit after his side’s 4-0 defeat to arch-rivals FC Barcelona in El Clasico. In a match where Real Madrid struggled, Vinicius was far from his best, tightly contained by Barcelona’s defensive standouts, Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi. Now, opinions are split on whether Vinicius truly deserves the Ballon d’Or.

Vinicius has enjoyed a sensational 2023-2024 season with Real Madrid, playing a pivotal role in securing both La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. Contributing 21 goals and 11 assists across the competitions, he was a crucial figure in Real Madrid’s double-glory season, strengthening his case as one of the best young talents in the world. Continuing his form into the 2024-2025 season, Vinicius has racked up five goals and six assists in La Liga and added three goals in the Champions League, making him a force to be reckoned with.

However, the Ballon d’Or race is fiercely competitive this year, with Vinicius facing strong contenders, including his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham and Manchester City’s Rodri. Each has been instrumental for their respective teams: Bellingham’s playmaking and Rodri’s dominance in midfield have both earned them accolades and positioned them as formidable rivals for the award. As the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 29 approaches, fan speculation around Vinicius’s chances has reached new heights.

Whether Vinicius will overcome the setbacks from El Clasico and clinch his first Ballon d’Or remains to be seen. His phenomenal skill, consistent form, and potential for future greatness make him a prime candidate, yet the recent defeat raises questions about his maturity and consistency in high-stakes matches.