The 2024 Ballon d’Or award ceremony is quickly approaching, and Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid is one of the favorites to win the top men’s honor.

The favorite among bookmakers to win on October 28 is Vini Jr., who had an incredible 2023–24 season with Real Madrid.

The Brazilian helped Real Madrid win both La Liga and the Champions League last season with 29 goals in all competitions.

For the individual award, though, he will have to contend with Dani Carvajal, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, and clubmate Jude Bellingham of Manchester City.

The Brazilian singled out Kyle Walker of Manchester City and Reece James of Chelsea as his two hardest opponents in the same interview.

However, he has since had second thoughts and declared another defense to be his most formidable foe.

Speaking after an El Clasico match last year, the former Flamengo player named Ronald Araujo of Barcelona as his most formidable opponent.

“Araujo is the best defender I have ever faced. He’s incredibly skilled and powerful. According to Planet Sport, Vinicius stated, “That’s why he plays for Barca.”

After moving from Uruguayan team Boston River to Barcelona in 2018, Araujo has grown into a top-tier defender.

After making 150 appearances for the Catalan team and scoring eight goals, he saw his development halted by an injury that has prevented him from playing this season thus far.

Barcelona has performed admirably in Araujo’s absence, leading Hansi Flick’s team to the top of La Liga, three points ahead of Real Madrid under Vinicius Jr.

This might alter in the upcoming weeks, though, as the two titans of Spanish football are scheduled to square off at the Bernabeu on October 26, two days ahead of the Ballon d’Or presentation.