Vinícius Júnior was the runner-up in the rankings, marking an incredible season with Real Madrid. Despite strong performances and being a favorite among fans, Rodri’s all-around influence and consistency ultimately earned him the top spot​.

Vinícius Júnior was initially rumored to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or due to his stellar performances with Real Madrid. He was pivotal in Real Madrid’s 2023-24 season successes, helping them secure both La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. Vinícius scored critical goals, including in high-stakes matches like the Champions League semi-finals and final, which highlighted his reliability in major tournaments. His dribbling skills, combined with a high goal-scoring tally and assist record, placed him among the top players globally.

Beyond his on-field abilities, Vinícius became a symbol of resilience, standing against racism throughout the season—a factor that endeared him to fans and the media alike, furthering his case as a favorite. Additionally, as the first Brazilian with a strong chance of winning since Kaka in 2007, there was excitement around his candidacy, and brands like Nike even began preparations to celebrate his potential win​.

Vinicius Junior’s standout performances and achievements in 2024 make him a strong candidate for top awards. Here are some of his most notable stats and accolades from the season:

• Goals and Assists: Vinicius scored five goals and provided four assists in 11 La Liga matches for Real Madrid in the 2024/25 season, averaging 0.89 goal contributions per 90 minutes. This places him in the 98th percentile for goal involvement in La Liga, with an impressive 79% pass completion and 1.87 key passes per match, contributing significantly to Madrid’s attack​.

• Awards and Recognition: During the 2023/24 season, Vinicius helped lead Real Madrid to a La Liga title and a Champions League victory. His performance earned him a spot in the La Liga and Champions League Team of the Season, and he was honored as the UCL Player of the Season. Additionally, he received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian efforts and the Samba Gold award, which recognizes the best Brazilian player in Europe​.

• Impact Beyond the Field: Vinicius has been a vocal advocate against racism, especially following high-profile incidents in La Liga. His leadership in this area has amplified his influence in global sports beyond his football performance, garnering widespread support and respect​.

He has attempted 13 shots, showing his eagerness in attack, and maintains a 75% passing accuracy, essential for fluid gameplay in the team’s buildup phases. Dribbling remains one of Vinícius’ standout skills. He has successfully completed 26 dribbles, using his agility to navigate through defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities. His distribution stats also reflect his effectiveness in playmaking, with 13 passes directed to critical areas and 7 passes into the penalty area, creating scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Additionally, his speed on the field, reaching up to 35.47 km/h, further complements his dribbling, making him a difficult player for defenders to contain.

These achievements highlight Vinicius Junior’s remarkable season, contributing both on and off the field, and his impactful presence at Real Madrid and beyond.

Real Madrid chose to boycott the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony due to their dissatisfaction with the award’s outcome. The club was particularly displeased that Vinícius Júnior, despite his outstanding performances, did not receive the Ballon d’Or, which was awarded to Manchester City’s Rodri. In protest, Real Madrid decided not to send any representatives to the ceremony, leaving their Club of the Year award uncollected. This action underscored the club’s belief that their players, especially Vinícius, were deserving of greater recognition.