La Liga president backs Real Madrid superstar for Ballon d’Or – ‘He deserves it’ | OneFootball

Speaking at a media appearance today, La Liga president Javier Tebas claimed that Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Tebas and Vinicius have not seen eye to eye always, especially with the Brazilian calling him and La Liga out over their lack of action against racism in the past.

However, the La Liga chief has not shied away from praising the 24-year-old’s quality on the pitch in the past and earlier today, he claimed that Vinicius is deserving of winning the Ballon d’Or.

“Vinicius is a different player. He deserves it,” said Tebas about the Brazilian’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, as quoted by COPE.

Ballon d’Or winner? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

When asked if another Real Madrid star, Dani Carvajal, who also won the Euros with Spain, can win the coveted individual honour, Tebas downplayed the possibility, saying:

“Let’s be realistic, it is more difficult for Carvajal to win the Ballon d’Or than Vinicius, who I have said for a long time is a star.”

Real Madrid have as many as six current players in the running to win the Ballon d’Or this year and the count goes up to seven when the now-retired Toni Kroos is included.

Apart from Vinicius, Carvajal, and Kroos, the likes of Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, and Kylian Mbappe are all in the running.

At this point, though, the battle appears to be between Vinicius and Manchester City and Spain midfield mainstay Rodri. Tebas, though, has made it clear as to who he thinks deserves to walk away with the Golden Orb.