Vinicius Junior Wins Ballon d Or After Stellar Year

Vinicius Junior Wins Ballon d Or After Stellar Year

Vinicius Junior has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Ballon d Or, becoming the first Brazilian player to win the prestigious award since Kaka in 2007. The Real Madrid forward, who has been in sensational form for the Spanish giants and the Brazilian national team over the last 12 months, was the overwhelming favourite for the award, polling more votes than any other player in the history of the poll. The award caps a remarkable few years for a player who, since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, has developed into one of the most exciting attackers in world football.

Vinicius has been crowned the 2025 Ballon d Or winner

The award was presented at a glittering ceremony in Paris on Monday evening, with Vinicius joined on stage by his family, his Real Madrid teammates, and representatives of the club. The Brazilian was visibly moved by the award, and he paid tribute to a number of people who had helped him throughout his career, including his mother, his agent, and his manager at Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti. 'This is a dream come true for me,' Vinicius said. 'I have worked so hard for this moment, and I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. This award is for my family, for my team-mates, and for the Brazilian people, who have always supported me.'

Dominant Season

Vinicius statistics for the 2024-25 season are remarkable. The Brazilian scored 32 goals and provided 19 assists in 51 appearances for Real Madrid, helping the club to the La Liga title, the Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup. He was also instrumental in Brazil Copa America triumph, scoring four goals and providing three assists in the tournament, and he finished the calendar year with 47 goals and 27 assists in 59 appearances for club and country. His performances were consistently excellent, and he produced a series of memorable moments, including a hat-trick against Barcelona in the El Clasico, two goals in the Champions League final against Liverpool, and a stunning strike in the Copa America final against Argentina.

Vinicius has been a dominant force for club and country

Beyond the goals and the assists, Vinicius has also developed into a more complete player. The Brazilian has always been blessed with extraordinary pace, trickery, and direct running, but in recent seasons, he has added end product to his game. His decision-making in the final third has improved significantly, his finishing is now more consistent, and he has become a more reliable creative force. The 25-year-old is no longer just a wide player who can terrorise defenders with his pace; he is a complete attacker who can score, create, and lead the line.

Reaction from Across the Game

Tributes poured in from across the footballing world following the announcement of the award. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was full of praise for his star player. 'Vinicius is a special player, and he deserves this award,' the Spanish businessman said. 'He has been the best player in the world for the last 12 months, and he has played a crucial role in everything we have achieved. I am very proud of him, and I am confident that this is the first of many Ballon d Or awards he will win.' Brazil manager Dorival Junior was equally effusive. 'Vinicius is the best player in the world,' the Brazilian coach said. 'He has been incredible for club and country, and he is a worthy winner of this award. I am sure he will continue to achieve great things in the years to come.'

Vinicius is the first Brazilian to win the Ballon d Or since Kaka in 2007

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d Or in 2002, was in no doubt about the magnitude of Vinicius achievement. 'It is a special moment for Brazilian football,' Ronaldo said. 'Vinicius has shown that Brazil continues to produce some of the best players in the world. He is a worthy winner of this award, and I am sure he will inspire a new generation of Brazilian players.'

Award Rankings

The full rankings for the 2025 Ballon d Or were as follows: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) in first place, Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) in second, Erling Haaland (Manchester City) in third, Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) in fourth, and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) in fifth. Other notable players in the top 10 included Phil Foden (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona). The Best Young Player award, which is open to players under the age of 21, was won by Yamal, who at 18 became the youngest winner of the award.

Lamine Yamal won the Best Young Player award

The Best Goalkeeper award was won by Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been in excellent form for Paris Saint-Germain and Italy. The Best Club award went to Real Madrid, in recognition of their Champions League and La Liga triumphs, while the Best Coach award was won by Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title. The Socrates Award, which recognises players who have made an outstanding contribution to society, was won by Sadio Mane, the Bayern Munich and Senegal forward, for his charitable work in his home country.

Looking Ahead

For Vinicius, the immediate focus is on continuing his remarkable form. The Brazilian is now firmly established as one of the best players in the world, and he will be looking to add to his trophy collection in the seasons to come. Real Madrid are determined to retain his services for the long term, and the club is in advanced discussions over a new contract that would make him the highest-paid player in the club history. The Ballon d Or is the ultimate individual honour in football, and Vinicius is determined to win it again.