Dutch legend backs Real Madrid star to win Ballon d’Or over Lionel Messi

Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert has named his three favourite players to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Karim Benzema won the last Ballon d’Or, but there are a number of players fighting for the position this year.

Kluivert has named Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior as his candidates to win the award this year.

All three players had a blast of a season, and Kluivert believes they deserve it ahead of Messi.

“One of Haaland, Mbappé or Vinícius Jr. Will win the Ballon d’Or,” Kluivert said according to Sportskeeda.

Vinicius has been growing in reputation over the years, and many see him as a potential Ballon d’Or winner.

Vinicius Junior scored 23 goals and provided 21 assists in 55 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid last season.