'Vinicius Junior will definitely win' - Neymar explains why Real Madrid star 'deserves' 2024 Ballon d'Or after seeing Brazil team-mate 'suffer throughout his life'

Several top players are in contention to win the prestigious award on October 28, however, Vinicius Junior and Rodri are considered to be the two frontrunners. While Vinicius played an important role in Los Blancos winning La Liga and Champions League titles, Rodri helped Manchester City win their fourth consecutive Premier League title and then starred for Spain in their Euro 2024 winning campaign.

Earlier Ederson had picked Vinicius Jr. over club colleague Rodri to win the award and now Brazil legend Neymar has shown his support towards his compatriot as he feels that the Real star deserves to win the Golden Ball this time.

As per Mundo Deportivo, the Al-Hilal attacker said: "He had a great season, he played a lot of games and I will be supporting him because he will definitely win the Ballon d'Or. I hope he returns to Brazil soon with the trophy, he is a guy who deserves it because he is a fighter, he suffered a lot throughout his life, he was able to exceed all expectations, he overcame all the criticism they made about him."

The 24-year-old is currently out of action due to a neck injury that he suffered during Real Madrid's last La Liga outing against Villarreal. It remains to be seen if he regains his fitness before the club's next game against Celta Vigo on Saturday.