Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior is garnering significant support for the 2024 Ballon d'Or after his extraordinary performance against Borussia Dortmund, where he scored a second-half hat-trick to overturn a 2-0 deficit into a 5-2 victory in the Champions League. Manager Carlo Ancelotti and teammate Neymar have publicly backed Vinicius for the prestigious award, citing his crucial role in Real Madrid's successes, including a La Liga-Champions League double last season. Despite this, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has endorsed Manchester City's Rodri for the Ballon d'Or, impressed by his pivotal contributions to both club and Spain's Euro 2024 victory. Vinicius' candidacy is further bolstered by his humanitarian efforts, having won the Socrates Award, which could influence voters. The Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on October 28 in Paris.