Another Setback for Vinicius: Is He Being Overlooked for the Ballon d'Or Again

The Brazilian would once again miss out on the trophy as the best player in the world. According to a publication of the Score 90 site, Mbappe and Salah are the top favorites to win the Ballon d'Or this season with a 20% chance, leaving Vinicius in third place with a mere 14% chance.

Vinícius Júnior's hopes of winning the Ballon d'Or for the 2024 edition might be slipping away, with rising competition from players like Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappé, who are now considered more likely to take home the prestigious individual accolade. Despite an impressive year in 2023, where the Brazilian forward was a key figure in Real Madrid's successes, Vinícius may find himself falling short of the top spot once again. The unexpected victory of Rodri from Manchester City in the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony has reshuffled expectations, making the upcoming race for the award more competitive than ever.

In 2023, Vinícius Júnior solidified his status as one of the most talented and exciting players in the world. His performances for Real Madrid were consistently outstanding, with his pace, dribbling, and composure in front of goal making him one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe. Vinícius was instrumental in his team's success, contributing to their victories in domestic and international competitions. His role in helping Real Madrid lift the Copa del Rey and his dazzling displays in the UEFA Champions League further boosted his credentials as a Ballon d'Or contender. However, despite his accomplishments, it wasn't enough to secure the top individual honor, as Rodri’s role in Manchester City's historic treble-winning season helped him claim the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Rodri's win was a surprise to many, as midfielders, especially defensive ones, are often overlooked in favor of more attack-minded players. However, the Spaniard’s crucial role in Manchester City's success, particularly in the Champions League final, showcased his importance to the team. His composure, vision, and tactical intelligence were vital to City’s domination in both domestic and international competitions. The treble — Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League — made Rodri an undeniable contender, and his victory was a testament to how crucial a well-rounded, influential player can be in winning the Ballon d'Or, even if they aren't a goal-scoring forward.

Now, with 2024 drawing to a close, the race for the Ballon d'Or is heating up again, and Vinícius’s chances appear less certain. Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian king of Liverpool, has been in stellar form throughout 2024. His consistency in the Premier League, his influence in Champions League matches, and his ability to produce crucial goals for Liverpool have put him in the spotlight as one of the leading candidates for the award. Salah has often been compared to other world-class forwards, and with his continuous excellence, he’s now seen as a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or.

Kylian Mbappé is another name that has emerged as a strong favorite in the 2024 race. The French forward’s performances for Paris Saint-Germain, combined with his vital contributions to France’s national team, continue to cement his status as one of the top players in the world. Mbappé’s goal-scoring ability, his flair, and his impact in big games have made him one of the most marketable and influential athletes of his generation. His return to form and dominance in both the Ligue 1 and international tournaments has positioned him as a top contender for the Ballon d'Or, making it increasingly likely that he will secure the award in 2024.

For Vinícius, this development represents a tough challenge. While his performances have been remarkable, both Salah and Mbappé have enjoyed better overall team success in 2024. Salah’s consistency with Liverpool, despite the club facing a few ups and downs, and Mbappé's almost guaranteed silverware with PSG make it difficult for Vinícius to match them. Although Vinícius’s individual brilliance cannot be underestimated, especially his contributions to Real Madrid in key moments, it’s the team accomplishments, as well as the media and fan-driven narrative around these superstars, that ultimately tip the scales when it comes to Ballon d'Or voting.

Moreover, with Rodri’s unexpected victory this year, the Ballon d'Or has proven that individual recognition can often be a product of collective success. Both Salah and Mbappé have delivered in key moments for their teams, adding weight to their cases for the award. In contrast, Vinícius, despite being central to Real Madrid’s attacking play, has yet to secure a major title in 2024 that would enhance his chances. As such, his Ballon d'Or aspirations could be dashed once more, with other players' performances overshadowing his own.

In conclusion, the Ballon d'Or race in 2024 appears to be a difficult one for Vinícius Júnior. With Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappé emerging as the frontrunners, the Brazilian may once again fall short of the top honor. While his individual talent remains undeniable, the dominance of Salah and Mbappé, combined with their teams' successes, puts them in a stronger position to claim the award. The road to future Ballon d'Or victories will require Vinícius to continue improving and making decisive contributions to Real Madrid's success in the years to come.