DBasia.news – Vinicius Junior is eighth in the 2022 Ballon d’Or rankings, having played a key role in Real Madrid’s success in winning LaLiga and the Champions League.
His compatriot Neymar congratulated winner, Karim Benzema for claiming the top prize, but believes Vinicius should deserve a podium finish.
“Benzema, a top player who deserves [a Ballon d’Or]!!” he wrote on Twitter. “But Vini jr being in 8th place is a joke. He’s at least the top 3.”
Benzema takes the top spot after a superb season in which he scored 44 goals in 46 appearances.
Sadio Mane is in second place after another impressive campaign with Liverpool, before moving to Bayern Munich, while Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is third.
Since the start of the 2021/22 season, only Vinicius (5) has won more penalties than any other LaLiga player in all competitions. He is narrowly ahead of his team Rodrygo (4).
The Brazil international player is hoping to add to his tally when Madrid take on LaLiga’s bottom side Elche on Thursday (20/10).