Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti Starts Backing Vinicius For 2025 Ballon D’Or Too After Dortmund Hat Trick

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti started backing his winger Vinicius Jr.'s campaign to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or as well after a stunning hat trick sunk Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Just as he was on June 1 when scoring against the same opposition in a 2-0 UCL final victory at Wembley, the Brazilian proved to be a thorn in the Germans' side by heading a sensational second half comeback in the Bernabeu.

At half time, Dortmund looked to be on their way to a historic victory in the Spanish capital while nursing a 2-0 lead of their own.

After Antonio Rudiger scored his men's first goal on 60 minutes, however, Vinicius then equalised ahead of Lucas Vazquez making it 3-2.

To rub salt into the wound, Vinicius netted a further two times to take the match ball home, and capped a performance which many felt confirmed his status at the best player in the world almost certainly set to win the Ballon d'Or in Paris on Monday.

"I can say it's rare to see a player who plays a second half like the one he did. Apart from the goals - [someone who plays] with energy and intensity, with an extraordinary character," reflected his manager Ancelotti at full time, amid Vinicius saying he wishes to "continue with Real Madrid forever".

MORE FOR YOU
Trump Vs. Harris 2024 Polls: Harris Leads In 4 Latest Surveys
NSA Tells iPhone And Android Users: Reboot Your Device Now
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Kids Defend Him In Joint Statement: Here Is The Latest News On His Federal Case

"He's going to win the Ballon d'Or, not because of tonight, but because of last season. They are three goals that will serve him for the next Ballon d'Or," added the Italian, in turn voicing his support for Vinicius to take home football's highest individual accolade in 2025 as well should he continue in this vein of form.

Ancelotti stated a belief that Vinicius' talent is "recognized" in Spain when asked as much.

"They whistle at him because he can make a difference," Ancelotti suggested, acknowledging some issues of racism 'Vini' has suffered yet also saying: "I think he's respected in this country".

In what continues to be a running theme, Ancelotti put Madrid's poor start down to a lack of intensity.

"We had chances, and hit the post twice, but we were timid. We showed that we can play with more energy, with more risk. We have to exert pressure, we have the capacity to do it," the manager insisted, with a showdown against bitter rivals FC Barcelona up next for Los Blancos at the weekend.