Carlo Ancelotti backs ‘extraordinary’ Vinicius Junior to claim 2024 Ballon d’Or after hat-trick heroics in Real Madrid’s comeback win over Borussia Dortmund & insists Brazilian is ‘respected’ in Spain with racism issue being ‘addressed’

Vinicius Jr was the star of the show on Tuesday night as Real Madrid fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in the Champions League. The Brazilian winger scored a second-half hat-trick, which was rather perfectly timed as he bids to win the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 24-year-old has enjoyed a fine year, inspiring Los Blancos to a La Liga and Champions League double last term. Few can argue that he doesn’t deserve to win the Ballon d’Or at next week’s ceremony and it would put the cherry on top of a year in which he has faced plenty of adversity, most notably regular racist chants in Spain.

  WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  “It’s rare to see a player perform like Vinicius did in the second half, not just with the goals, but with an extraordinary energy, intensity, and character,” Ancelotti said. “I think he’s going to win the Ballon d’Or for what he did last year, helping us win the Champions League, not for today’s three goals, which will count towards next year’s Ballon d’Or.”

  The racist abuse reportedly left the Brazil international nearing breaking point, but Ancelotti believes progress has been made on the issue.

  “I think he is respected as he should be. People boo him because he can make a difference,” he added. “The racism issue is being addressed. He’s booed, and that’s normal, but he is respected in this country.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Next up for Vini and Co is a meeting with Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season. Victory at the Bernabeu will draw Ancelotti’s side draw level on points with their rivals at the top of La Liga.