Ederson picks country over club by backing Vinicius Jr for Ballon d'Or over Man City team-mate Rodri

As the Ballon d'Or ceremony draws closer several guesses have been made as to who will become the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. Real Madrid star Vinicius and Manchester City maestro Rodri are the bookmakers' favourite candidates to pick up the prestigious award. Ederson, who is a teammate with both candidates, has tipped Vinicius to win the award later this month.

Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, Ederson said: "I support Vinicius, he deserves it for everything he did last season. I don't know how the vote is done. If it counts the season, the titles, the number of goals, the assists..."

"I support Vinicius, also for Rodri and whoever wins it, it will be a deserved award, but I think Vini deserves it for everything he did in the Champions League, for everything he did last season, but if Rodri wins, I will also be happy,"

Vinicius is the strongest contender for the Ballon d'Or after a standout season with Real Madrid. In 39 appearances in all competitions, the 24-year-old scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists, helping his team win three titles, including the Champions League.

Rodri, on the other hand, was the standout for Spain when they won the European Championship in Germany. He also helped Manchester City win their sixth Premier League title in seven years and the Club World Cup.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place on October 28 in Paris, and it is likely that both Rodri and Vinicius will be present at the award ceremony regardless of who wins the award.