The Barcelona star is backing Vini Jr for the Ballon d'Or ahead of the El Clasico clash

Barcelona star Inigo Martinez set aside the El Clasico rivalry Real Madrid go ahead Vinicius Junior win the Ballon d'Or 2024.

The Brazil international is red hot favorite to win the award in Paris next week after a superb 2023/24 season for Los Blancos.

The 24-year-old scored a career-high 24 goals in all competitions as the talisman at Real Madrid. The League and the double UEFA Champions League.

His impressive form carried into the 2024/25 campaign, forming a deadly partnership with Kylian Mbappéand netted eight goals so far.

Martinez is expected to go head-to-head with Vincius Jr and Mbappe tomorrow night in the first El Clasico meeting of the campaign.

However, despite the fierce rivalry between all involved, Martinez had nothing but praise for his opponent ahead of their showdown in Madrid.

“We all know that they will give it to Vinicius Jr, I have no doubt. He is a great player,” according to reports from Marco.

“The other day he showed it in the Champions League and it blew up the game! I have no doubt that he will try to use it against us obviously. We hope that some of our players will be there in the next one, I don't I doubt Lamine Yamal will be soon.

Vinicius Jr has been in deadly form against Barcelona recently, with four goals in three games against them last season, including a hat-trick in the home league game.