Vinicius Jr’s dazzling performances at Real Madrid have put the Brazilian forward in conversation to win his first Ballon d’Or and manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday the 23-year-old deserved to win the prestigious award.

Vinicius has netted five times and provided as many assists in the Champions League alone this season to help Madrid book a place in the final, while also scoring 13 goals in LaLiga, which they clinched for a record-extending 36th time last weekend.

The record 14-times European champions will take on German side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.

“He’s doing a great job,” Ancelotti told reporters on the eve of Saturday’s league trip to relegation-threatened Granada.

“He’s still got the Champions League final to come and then he’ll be at the Copa America. He’s very close, and if he has positive results in both competitions, he could well win it (Ballon d’Or).

“Before I came to coach Madrid, I saw Vinicius on TV and I thought what an incredibly talented player he looked. When I arrived here, that much was clear, and he’s improved on many things to enhance that talent.

“He’s better at evading his markers now and has improved in front of goal as well. He’s done so with a spectacular work ethic on a daily basis, he’s focused in training and recovers well after matches.

“He’s a highly disciplined professional and he deserves everything he’s achieved.”

But Ancelotti said the rest of his squad have been just as important in a campaign where several key players at Madrid have suffered injuries.

Vinicius moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Brazil’s Flamengo in 2018.

“He’s among the best in the world and this is Vinicius’ moment because he brings us so much. He’s been important in us making the Champions League final and winning LaLiga. But we mustn’t forget how the others have contributed,” the Italian said.

“Madrid’s time is up until the first of June. After that, who knows, it might be Borussia’s moment.”

French defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is a doubt for the final after picking up an injury in their semi-final win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

“(Goalkeeper Thibaut) Courtois will play, as will (Eder) Militao. They both need the game time… (goalkeeper Andriy) Lunin has to be ready to play as well. That’s why I’ll have to assess the goalkeeping issue in the coming games,” Ancelotti said on team rotation.

“We’re not sure if Tchouameni will make it for the final but we’ll do all we can to see if he can recover. The rest will rotate, including (centre back Antonio) Rudiger and Nacho.”

-Reuters

Super Falcons and Barcelona Femeni striker, Asisat Oshoala, has been nominated for the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or Award in the Women’s Player of the Year category.

This nomination follows a remarkable season in which she showcased her exceptional talent, scoring 29 goals and providing 7 assists in 46 matches.

Oshoala’s outstanding performances also played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s triumphant campaign, securing titles such as the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup.

Oshoala finds herself in the esteemed company of fellow Barcelona Femeni stars, Mapi Leon, Aitana Bonmati, and Fridolina Rolfo, along with other standout talents from the women’s football world, including French stalwart Wendie Renard, England’s Mary Earps, prolific 26-year-old Jamaican and Manchester City Forward, Khadija Shaw, VFL Wolfsburg forward Alexandra Popp, Japanese midfielder Yui Hasegawa, Dutch midfielder Jill Roord, and England’s Rachael Daly.

“Our heartfelt congratulations to Asisat Oshoala for her outstanding achievements. It has been an incredible journey watching her grow and excel in the world of football. Plug Sports couldn’t be prouder of her remarkable talent and dedication. Asisat is a true inspiration, and her success is well-deserved,” Lanre Vigo, Head of Plug Sports commented on Oshoala’s nomination.

In addition to her on-field prowess, Asisat Oshoala’s contributions to the community have not gone unnoticed. In July of this year, the 28-year-old Oshoala, also known as the Women’s African Player of the Year, was announced as one of the five nominees for the prestigious Socrates Award. This accolade was introduced in 2022 to recognize players for their outstanding charity work beyond the realm of football. Oshoala was nominated for her commendable efforts through the football academy she established in Nigeria, named after her.

Furthermore, Oshoala’s impact on the global stage was amplified during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where she made history by becoming the first African player to score in three Women’s World Cup tournaments. Her pivotal goal came during the Super Falcons’ victory against Australia, marking a significant achievement in her illustrious career.

As the football world eagerly anticipates the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Asisat Oshoala’s nomination is a testament to her exceptional skill, dedication to her community, and her historic achievements in the sport. She continues to inspire football enthusiasts across the globe, and her journey is a source of pride for both her home country, Nigeria, and the global football community.

Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi was among the nominees for the prestigious men’s Ballon d’Or trophy announced by organisers France Football magazine on Wednesday.

Seven-time winner Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last December, their first triumph since 1986.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who won the UEFA award for the best men’s player on Thursday, and Paris St Germain forward Kylian Mbappe are also among the nominees.

Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, who has won the women’s award for the past two years, was not nominated this year.

Chelsea duo Sam Kerr and Millie Bright were among the 30 female nominees, along with Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, who helped Spain to World Cup glory last month.

The awards for the best men’s and women’s player in the world will be presented on Oct. 30.

-Reuters