On October 29, 2024, the Golden Ball award was announced, with Rodrygo successfully winning the prize, and Vinicius finishing second. However, Vinicius has already set the highest ranking for a Brazilian player in the Golden Ball award since 2007.
In the early 21st century, during the golden age of Brazilian football, three generations of leaders—Ronaldo (2002), Ronaldinho (2005), and Kaka (2007)—all won the Golden Ball. But who could have predicted that after Kaka’s win in 2007, the Samba team would go 17 years without another Golden Ball?
In the long years following 2007, Neymar, as the leader of Brazilian football, only managed to place third in the Golden Ball award twice (2015 and 2017), both times overshadowed by Messi and Ronaldo.
In this year’s Golden Ball selection, although Vinicius ultimately fell short of ending Brazil’s long-standing Golden Ball drought, his second-place finish is the highest ranking for a Brazilian player in the Golden Ball award since Kaka’s win in 2007.
No Golden Ball for Brazil Since Kaka’s Win! Vinicius Sets a New Record for Brazilian Players in 17 Years. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/no-golden-ball-for-brazil-since-kakas-win-vinicius-sets-a-new-record-for-brazilian-players-in-17-years.html
