‘He actually deserves it unlike Rodri’: Fresh Ballon d’Or campaign kicks off Not Dembele, not Rodri, not even Yamal

The Ballon d’Or race is intensifying as the winner’s announcement approaches in October. Currently, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is the frontrunner for the prestigious award at just 17 years old. However, a strong campaign has emerged in support of PSG midfielder Vitinha, following praise from Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos and PSG coach Luis Enrique.
A Surge in Support
Kroos sparked the movement by calling for Vitinha to be awarded the Ballon d’Or if Portugal wins the Nations League. He lauded Vitinha’s exceptional skills, stating that he “plays hide and seek in midfield, pops up everywhere, IQ off the charts.” Kroos believes Vitinha is “criminally underrated” and deserving of the award. Luis Enrique echoed similar sentiments, marveling at Vitinha’s ability to control the tempo of the game and make the pitch his “living room.”
Fan Sentiment
Many fans agree that Vitinha deserves serious consideration for the Ballon d’Or, given his impressive performances for both club and country. Some argue that Vitinha’s achievements are being overlooked, with some fans questioning why he isn’t receiving the same level of attention as other players, such as Rodri last year. The sentiment among fans is that Vitinha’s individual performance and collective trophies won make him a strong contender for the award [21].