Thierry Henry reveals why he won't pick Vinicius Jr. for Ballon d'Or

Legendary Arsenal player Thierry Henry has selected Rodri of Manchester City as his 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, citing him as the "heart" of Pep Guardiola's team. The 68th annual Ballon d'Or ceremony, which honors the world's finest football player, is scheduled for Monday, October 28 in Paris.

Rodri of Manchester City and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid were among the 30 players shortlisted for the coveted 2024 Ballon d'Or. After leading Spain to victory at Euro 2024, Henry believes Rodri, who is now sidelined for the season due to injury, deserves to win.

When asked who he would pick for the Ballon d'Or, Henry responded on CBS Sports by saying, “People forget about midfielders and what they do. They’re the heart of the team. He is the heart of Manchester City. I know he didn’t win the Champions League [last season] but he won the Euros [with Spain].”

After his achievements for Brazil in the Copa America, Henry considered selecting Vinicius Junior but ultimately opted against it. The former Arsenal legend said, “Vini Jr didn’t perfom at the Copa America. But is he [still] a worthy winner? Yes. He is outstanding, I keep on saying. For me, right now, as a forward, he is the best in the world. So he deserves it [too].”

Jamie Carragher, another football commentator, chose Vinicius Junior above Rodri in the meantime. The Liverpool icon said, “I’d go for Vini Jr. They won the Champions League, which is the biggest thing you can win in club football. It’s difficult for Rodri because of the position he plays. Very few players win it in that position, whether you are a holding midfield player or a defender.”

"Vini Jr for the Ballon Dor?

🗣️Micah Richards: "Rodri would still get my vote."

🗣️Carra:" Vini Jr."

🗣️Thiery Henry: " Vini Jr didn't perform in Copa America, Rodri for the Ballon Dor."pic.twitter.com/HjxSTtW6Rh

— foland (fan) (@propsMCFC) October 23, 2024

Why Vinicius Junior deserves to win the Ballon d’Or 2024?

Vinicius, who had a stellar 2023–24 season with Los Blancos, is among the leading candidates for the prized accolade. The 24-year-old helped Carlo Ancelotti's team win three trophies, such as the La Liga-UEFA Champions League double, with 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances across competitions, despite missing a few games due to injury.

Although the attacker scored twice across three games during Brazil's lackluster 2024 Copa America campaign, Vinicius missed the match because of suspension, and the Selecao lost to Uruguay on penalties in the round of eight.