The Brazilian legend says that Vinicius Junior is the best player in the world

Vinicius Junior has been backed by none other than Brazil legend Ronaldo to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the former Real Madrid star hailing Los Blancos’ number 7 as “the best player in the world so far”.

Vinicius has enjoyed a domestic campaign to remember, playing a key role in Madrid’s pursuit of the La Liga title and finding the net in the club’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 will become the fifth Brazilian player to receive the prestigious award, following Kaka, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Ronaldo ( twice).

“I think Vini already deserves it [the Ballon d’Or],” it said ESPN. “I think his time has come. He’s had a fantastic Champions League, a fantastic La Liga, and he’s been improving a lot.

“He was very decisive this year at Real Madrid. For me, today, he is the best player in the world so far.

“I remember that I made his presentation the day he arrived at Real Madrid and I met him well. I talk to Vini a lot about football and some details and, looking at everything that has happened, it is an amazing development that he is making.”

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid for €46 million in 2002 and wasted little time 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 outings. He became the fifth foreign player to score over 100 goals for the club, following Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Hugo Sanchez and Ivan Zamorano.

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