Brazil legend Rivaldo backs future ‘star of Real Madrid’ for Ballon d’Or award next year ahead of Qatar World Cup

Brazil legend Rivaldo has claimed that Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Junior, can challenge the best players in the world for the Ballon d’Or in 2023. Vinicius put together his best season as of yet in a Madrid shirt this year, as he scored the only goal of the game in the Champions League final against Liverpool in May. Ad/> Vinicius managed to produce an impressive 27 goal involvements in La Liga this season, whilst also adding four Champions League goals on Madrid’s remarkable run to the final.

TransfersChelsea face battle to land Dembele — Paper Round6 HOURS AGO The Brazilian is also set to sign a new long-term contract at Madrid until 2027, which is due to be announced in the coming days, reports Fabrizio Romano. Many within football believe that Vinicius’ team-mate and France striker, Karim Benzema, is the favourite for the award. Benzema carried Real Madrid through their Champions League campaign with crucial goals against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City, after already producing 27 goals in 32 La Liga matches this season.

However, this has not faded Rivaldo’s judgement in thinking that Vinicius can challenge the best for the Ballon d’Or next year, as he revealed. “After a fantastic season with Real Madrid, in which he scored the goal that won the Champions League, I can only hope the young Brazilian attacker continues to develop in this way." Rivaldo told Betfair. «He has improved a lot in front of goal and if he continues like this, he can claim to be the star of Real Madrid because Karim Benzema will retire one day.