Vinicius Junior was already the favourite for the Ballon d'Or - then he went and scored a superb hat-trick to underline his credentials

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expects Vinicius Junior to win this year's Ballon d'Or and even backed the Brazilian to win the prize in 2025 after his sensational hat-trick against Borussia

Vinicius Junior scored a hat trick as part of five second half goals for Real Madrid in the 5-2 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Minutes after Real Madrid fans were singing for Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or, the Brazil forward insisted he wants to "stay at the club forever".

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised the 'extraordinary' Vinicius Jr on Tuesday after the Brazilian forward scored a second-half hat-trick to help them fight back from two goals down and thrash visitors Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in the Champions League.

In a rematch of the 2023-24 Champions League final, Borussia Dortmund thought they had the match wrapped up in the first half of play but Real Madrid stormed back from down 2-0 to win 5-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu in an iconic performance from Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius Jr. will win the 2024 Ballon d’Or next week, according to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. The 2024 . Ballon d’Or. ceremony will take place on Monday 28 October a