Former Barcelona midfielder Rivaldo believes Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. could beat his fellow teammate Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe to this year's Ballon d'Or.
Vinicius and Bellingham are currently preparing for their team's Champions League final clash against Borussia Dortmund which takes place on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
With Real Madrid once again challenging for the biggest prize in club football, it is likely this year's Ballon d'Or will be awarded to a player from Los Blancos.
Speaking to Betfair, Rivaldo explained why Vinicius Jr. is likely to be the frontrunner for the prize ahead of Bellingham and outgoing Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
"Right now, given what he is doing at Real Madrid, Vini Jr is certainly one of the most important players in the game. He has a great chance of being the best player in the world and winning the Ballon d'Or," Rivaldo said.
"I would say he is already among the three best players in the world, and this year, with what he's been doing at Real Madrid, the way he's been playing... he certainly has a great chance of being the best player in the world and beating Kylian Mbappe to the title.
"Jude Bellingham is another great candidate for this year's Ballon d'Or, too. He's a top player and has the chance to play against his former club in the final, and to play in England too.
"However, it all depends on how the big names play in the Champions League final, and perhaps that may decide who can win the Ballon d'Or. If Real Madrid win, they could have two players, or three, who knows, among the best players in the world."
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