By : Lloyd Mahachi

Vinicius Jr has cemented his status as one of football’s elite players after scoring a stunning hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. The 24-year-old Brazilian forward’s phenomenal performance has further fueled speculation that he will win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Real Madrid fans chanted “Ballon d’Or – Vinicius Ballon d’Or” as he celebrated his hat-trick, and manager Carlo Ancelotti echoed their sentiments, calling Vinicius Jr “an extraordinary character” who “will win the Ballon d’Or.” The award ceremony takes place on October 28.

Vinicius Jr’s impressive stats support his candidacy: 35 goals and 15 assists in his last 35 Champions League starts. His humanitarian work off the pitch, earning him the Socrates Award, adds to his credentials.

The Brazilian superstar’s humility shines through in his words: “It’s a dream made reality when our fans chant my name, I want to keep rewarding them with more and more goals. I’m 24 and I want to stay with Madrid forever. I want to give everything back to a club which has given me so much.”

Vinicius Jr’s closest rival for the Ballon d’Or appears to be Manchester City’s Rodri, but UK bookies favor the Brazilian. If he wins, Vinicius Jr will join Luka Modric and Karim Benzema as the only non-Messi or Ronaldo winners since 2007.

Vinicius Jr’s achievements on and off the pitch make him an inspiration, solidifying his position as one of football’s brightest stars.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi