Neymar institute

UEFA Champions League: Brazil star Neymar has backed compatriot Vinicius Junior to win this year's Ballon d'Or after the Real Madrid forward played a leading role in his club's UEFA Champions League and La Liga triumphs. Vinicius was named the Champions League's Player of the Season after scoring six goals and assisting five in 10 matches.

The 23-year-old also netted 15 times and provided six assists in 26 La Liga appearances in 2023-2024, reports Xinhua.

"We have a wonderful relationship, I love Vini," Neymar said during a fundraising event for his Neymar Institute in Sao Paulo on Monday. "He's a great friend that football has given me and he had a great season, he played so well. I'll definitely be rooting for him to win the Ballon d'Or, I don't think there's any other player that has matched him."