We examine the number of times Brazilians have taken home the sport’s greatest individual honor, as Real Madrid’s top player Vinicius Junior is predicted to capture the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy next week. The 24-year-old is the overwhelming favorite to win, but he will have competition from players like Rodri of Manchester City. A first-time winner will be crowned at the ceremony on October 28.
Vinicius Junior, a star for Real Madrid and Brazil, is heavily favored to win the Ballon d’Or, football’s greatest individual honor, at the ceremony next week.
Since 1956, journalists from all around the world have given out the ‘Golden Ball’ trophy, which is widely regarded as the most prestigious honor in the sport. This year’s gong will be distributed on Monday, October 28.
It wasn’t until 1995 that the eligibility requirements were expanded to provide any European football player, regardless of nationality, a chance to win. It became the worldwide award it is now in 2007. It had previously only been available to European football players.
Some of South America’s most powerful countries won as a result of that shift, and Vinicius is the clear favorite in 2024 after his performances for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team last season.
The only player who is expected to get in his way is Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, however the 30-man shortlist also includes English players Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden.
Lionel Messi (eight) and Cristiano Ronaldo (five) have won all but two of the competitions since 2008. The only other players to win the trophy since then are Vincius’ Real Madrid teammates Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, and the award was canceled in 2020 because to the pandemic.
A first-time winner is assured because all four of those players—the only current prior winners—are not on this year’s shortlist. However, what percentage of past winners were from Brazil, and what is the likelihood that Vinicius will follow in their footsteps?
HOW MANY BRAZILIANS HAVE WON THE BALLON D’OR?
Brazil has a relatively low amount of Ballon d’Or victories for a nation with such a rich footballing history. Though they were only eligible starting in 1995 and only in 2007 if they operated outside of Europe, the nation has five World Cup triumphs to its record. Thus, Pele was never in the running during his heyday.
With five victories apiece (some by the same players), it places the country on pace with Italy and England, which won the first edition thanks to Stanley Matthews of Blackpool. Argentina has a record eight, however all eight were won by the same player. Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, and France have seven each.
Brazil had a string of victories after the regulations were changed: Ronaldo’s victories in 1997 and 2002 preceded Rivaldo’s victory in 1999. Brazil’s most recent winner of the coveted prize was Ricardo Kaka in 2007, while Ronaldinho became the nation’s third consecutive winner in 2005.
Vinicius is the overwhelming favorite to win the honor this year, meaning they could soon have a sixth Brazilian in football history.
The 24-year-old had a fantastic 2023–24 season, winning the La Liga and Champions League double with Real Madrid, scoring in the Champions League final (a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund), and winning the award for best player.
Last season, he made 51 appearances across all competitions, scoring 26 goals and dishing out 12 assists.
He has maintained that form into the current campaign, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to score an incredible hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 5-2 thumping of Dortmund on Tuesday. He now has eight goals and seven assists this year.
“Ballon d’Or-Vinicius Ballon d’Or” was chanted by the Bernabeu as he celebrated his treble in stoppage time, and the crowd cheered his name. After the game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated, “I think Vinicius Junior will win the Ballon d’Or,” demonstrating his belief that his star player had the tournament won. He will receive the honor.It’s about what he did last season, not tonight. His hat-trick tonight will help him win the next Ballon d’Or!
