No Ronaldo, Messi: Neymar names his top four players for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

The 2024 Ballon d’Or award has divide football lovers, active players and former players across the globe nominating their favourite player to win the award.

Former Barcelona and PSG winger Neymar has now joined the trend as he named the quartet of players he feels will be in contention for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

This year’s Ballon d’Or award is due to be keenly contested with several players vying for the 2024 title.

Manchester City star Rodri has been tipped to reach the top three but he faces a tough opposition in Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.

Neymar has now tipped fellow Brazilian Vinicius Junior to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

“He had a great season, he certainly played a lot. I certainly will be rooting for him to win the Ballon d’Or, I don’t think there’s anyone else but him to win it,” he said in a recent interview with Band Sports.

“We hope that it comes back to Brazil soon and that it’s now with Vini, a guy who deserves it because he’s a hard worker and has suffered a lot throughout his life, but he’s surpassed all expectations and [coped with] all the criticism.

“Today, he has become a great idol and a great hero for us, so I am very happy, very happy that he’s carrying this Brazilian flag around the world.”

Vinicius Junior (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In second, Neymar cannot separate between Brazil star Rodrygo and England midfielder Jude Bellingham, also with the Spanish champions.

And Neymar believes French superstar Kylian Mbappe is also in the mix for the award.

As per Bola VIP back in June, Neymar said: “Vini Júnior, first; Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham are tied, and obviously Mbappé enters the fight between those three.”

Neymar who plays his club football for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, will likely be watching on when the ceremony takes place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on October 28.

Since 2007, when Kaka won the award, only Luka Modric and Karim Benzema have won the Ballon d’Or aside from Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting their dominance over the past 15 years.