*Carlo Ancelotti Predicts Back-to-Back Ballon d'Or Wins for Vinicius Junior*
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has tipped Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or and potentially retain the title in 2025. Vinicius' sensational hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund cemented his status as a top contender.
*Key Points*
1. *Vinicius' Masterclass*: Vinicius scored three goals, including two glorious late strikes, as Real Madrid came back from 2-0 down to win 5-2 against Dortmund.
2. *Ancelotti's Praise*: Ancelotti hailed Vinicius' performance, citing his "extraordinary energy, intensity and character."
3. *Ballon d'Or Prediction*: Ancelotti believes Vinicius will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, primarily due to his contributions to Real Madrid's Champions League victory last season.
4. *2025 Prospects*: Ancelotti also backed Vinicius to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or, citing his continued impressive form.
*2024 Ballon d'Or Favorites*
1. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
2. Rodri (Manchester City)
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
4. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
5. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
6. Kylian Mbappe (PSG/Real Madrid)
7. Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
9. Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
10. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
*Real Madrid's Champions League Victory*
Vinicius played a crucial role in Real Madrid's Champions League triumph last season, earning him a strong chance at the Ballon d'Or.
*Ancelotti's Comments*
"It's rare to see a player perform like Vinicius did in the second half... I think he's going to win the Ballon d'Or for what he did last year."
*Neymar Names Top 5 Players with More Technical Skill*
Neymar, the talented Brazilian forward, has revealed his top 5 picks for players with more technical skill than him. In a 2021 interview with Oh My Goal, Neymar humbly acknowledged his own technical prowess but identified five exceptional players who stand out.
*The Top 5*
1. *Lionel Messi*
Neymar's former Barcelona teammate and longtime friend topped the list. Neymar praised Messi, saying everyone wants to play with him. Messi's incredible dribbling skills, vision and goal-scoring ability make him a legendary figure.
1. *Eden Hazard*
The recently retired Belgian midfielder earned Neymar's admiration for his exceptional skill. Hazard's impressive ball control, speed and creativity on the pitch impressed Neymar.
1. *Kevin De Bruyne*
Manchester City's talented playmaker made the cut, recognized for his outstanding Premier League performances. De Bruyne's exceptional passing range, vision and goal-scoring ability solidify his position.
1. *Marco Verratti*
Neymar's former PSG teammate impressed him with his technical ability. Verratti's exceptional dribbling skills, vision and passing accuracy make him a top midfielder.
1. *Thiago Alcantara*
The retired Spanish midfielder, formerly of Bayern Munich and Liverpool, rounded out Neymar's list. Thiago's impressive vision, passing range and technical skill earned Neymar's respect.
*Neymar's Career Reflection*
Neymar, now playing for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, reflected on his illustrious career, including:
- His time at Barcelona, forming the formidable MSN trio with Messi and Luis Suarez.
- His record-breaking transfer to PSG in 2017.
- His struggles with injuries, including a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Despite setbacks, Neymar remains one of the world's top players, known for his technical brilliance and creative playmaking.
*Key Takeaways*
- Neymar names Messi, Hazard, De Bruyne, Verratti and Thiago as technically gifted players.
- He acknowledges his own technical skill but shows humility.
- Neymar's choices reflect his experience playing alongside exceptional talent.
- His career highlights include Barcelona's MSN trio and PSG's Champions League pursuits.
blogpay
