Toni Kroos backs Vinicius after losing Ballon d’Or

Former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos backed his friend Vinicius Junior with strong words after the Brazilian lost the Ballon d’Or to Rodri.

Kroos came in ninth place in the Ballon d’Or rankings, which went to Rodri despite previous assurances that Vinicius would win it.

The German international’s support for his close friend began with statements in which he said, “This award is not important at all, and I think that individual awards are worthless in football.”

He also added, “Rodri will win the award, but in reality, only Vinicius deserves to be the best in the world in 2024.”

Kroos then posted two photos of himself and Vinicius on his Instagram account, writing “The best.”

Vinicius responded to the two photos and wrote, “I love you Antonio!”

Kroos wasn’t the only player to back Vinicius, Karim Benzema also came out and wrote that Vinicius is the best in the world, with a large number of current and retired footballers confirming the Brazilian’s deservingness to the award.