Ballon d'Or: Rio Ferdinand backs Bellingham to fight player who played decisive role in Real Madrid's triumphs

Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham both contributed to Real Madrid's UCL and LaLiga successes last season.

FOOTBALL Ballon d'Or: Rio Ferdinand backs Bellingham to fight player who played decisive role in Real Madrid's triumphs

Ballon d'Or: Rio Ferdinand backs Bellingham to fight player who played decisive role in Real Madrid's triumphs

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 08:48 - 12.07.2024

Rio Ferdinand champions Vinicius Jr. for Ballon d'Or award, citing his key role in Real Madrid's successes last season as why he deserves it over his compatriot Jude Bellingham.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has backed Jude Bellingham to compete for the Ballon d’Or after choosing the Brazilian star ahead of his compatriot Bellingham for the coveted award.

Vinicius and Bellingham are frontrunners for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award after their stellar performances for Real Madrid last season in the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga.

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Vinicius vs Bellingham: Ferdinand chooses

The Brazilian netted 24 goals in 39 matches across competitions and provided 11 assists while his English teammate, Bellingham, scored 23 goals and assisted 13 in 42 matches in what was his debut season as Los Blancos won three titles.

However, after a not-too-impressive outing at the ongoing Copa America where the now 24-year-old Vinicius watched from the sidelines due to suspension as Brazil crashed out, Ferdinand believes Bellingham can still find himself within the mix using the EURO.

Jude Bellingham celebrates for England at the EURO 2024.
Jude Bellingham celebrates for England at the EURO 2024. || X

I don’t think anyone has done anything else to suggest that they should win Ballon d’Or over Vini Jr.,” Ferdinand said according to a post on X.com.

“He was the most decisive player & huge reason why Real won CL & La Liga. If Jude keeps scoring & England win EUROs, he’s definitely going to be in mix too.”

Bellingham and Vinicius celebrate Real Madrid's Champions League win.
Bellingham and Vinicius celebrate Real Madrid's Champions League win.

Before his suspension in the Copa America, Vinicius started three matches and scored two goals for the Samba Boys in the competition.

His absence was a big blow to Brazil who were knocked out by the stubborn Uruguay side in the quarter-finals through a penalty shootout.

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For Bellingham, 21, he remains the favourite for several people for the Ballon d’Or having impressed for club and country.

He’s played a key role as England’s Three Lions booked a spot in the EURO 2024 final against Spain.

Bellingham and Harry Kane celebrate against Slovakia || Imago

The former Borussia Dortmund man has started in all six matches but has just a goal to his name as England reached back-to-back finals.

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Jude Bellingham Vinicius Junior