Just hours before the Clasico, an unexpected statement is making headlines. FC Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has named Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr as the frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, ahead of their showdown at Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday evening.
With only days until the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Vinicius Jr is widely regarded as the top favorite to win the title of the best player of the year. The Brazilian has had an extraordinary season, scoring 24 goals in the 2023/24 campaign for Real Madrid, and has been instrumental in the club’s Liga and Champions League double. Despite being rivals, FC Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez didn’t hesitate to express his admiration for the Madrid star.
In the midst of the fierce rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Inigo Martinez acknowledged Vinicius Jr’s immense talent. The Barcelona center-back, expected to start in tonight’s Clasico, admitted that he believes the Brazilian is practically assured of winning the Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded on October 28 in Paris.
“We all know they’re going to give it to Vinicius Jr, I have no doubt. He’s a phenomenal player,” said Inigo Martinez, in comments relayed by Marca. “The other day, he showed it in the Champions League and took control of the match! I have no doubt he’ll try to do the same against us. Hopefully, some of our players, especially Lamine Yamal, will step up.” Martinez’s words, reported by Marca, show the respect he holds for the Madrid attacker, seeing him as the rightful successor to Karim Benzema, the last Real player to win the prestigious France Football award.
Vinicius Jr: Barcelona’s nightmare?
Vinicius’s rise continues, and along with Kylian Mbappé, he’s a constant threat on the field. With eight goals already this season, the Brazilian remains a primary danger for Barcelona. This Vinicius-Mbappé duo is sure to challenge Inigo Martinez and the Barça defense as they face off in the season’s first Clasico tonight at the Bernabéu.
Moreover, Vinicius’s standout form against Barcelona in 2023/24 has not gone unnoticed, with four goals in three matches, including a memorable hat trick. Shutting down the Brazilian will be a tough task for Inigo Martinez and his teammates. The Spanish international knows Vinicius will be eager to prove his worth, but he’s equally keen to see Barça talents like young star Lamine Yamal rise to the occasion.
Martinez’s endorsement of Vinicius Jr for the Ballon d’Or adds an emotional edge to this Clasico. For fans, this clash is about more than just the scoreline—it’s about two rivals who respect each other’s skill, ready to add a new chapter to Spanish football history. So who will mark their legacy on this Clasico, Vinicius or Lamine Yamal? The answer awaits tonight at the Bernabéu.
Leave a Reply