Champions League • 8 min read • Verified Editorial

Vinícius Júnior Tightens Grip on 2026 Ballon d’Or as France Football Voters Complete Final Ballots

Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior stands on the verge of individual glory as voting closes for the Ballon d'Or following his UEFA Champions League and La Liga triumphs.

By Sofia Serrano (La Liga & Spanish Football Editor) • Published: 2026-10-08 • Updated: 2026-10-11
Vinícius Júnior celebrates under the Bernabéu lights as European voters finalize their Ballon d’Or selections.
Vinícius Júnior celebrates under the Bernabéu lights as European voters finalize their Ballon d’Or selections. (Real Madrid CF Media / GoalRush360 Madrid)

<h3>Vinícius Júnior Frontrunner for Football's Biggest Individual Prize</h3>

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the 2024/2026 Ballon d'Or award, following a sensational campaign in which he scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists, leading Los Blancos to a La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions League treble.

<h3>Decisive Big-Match Performances</h3>

Vinícius proved instrumental in Real Madrid's 15th European title, scoring crucial goals in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich and netting the second goal in the 2-0 final victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.