'I think' - Rio Ferdinand asked Jose Mourinho who would win 2024 Ballon d'Or award, he didn't even hesitate

Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho told TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand who he believes will be the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or prize is set to be awarded at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on 28th October at France Football’s annual award ceremony.

Lionel Messi is the current Ballon d’Or holder after he scooped the award in 2023 for a record-extending eighth time in his legendary playing career.

However, it is unlikely that the 36-year-old Barcelona legend will be one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or award for the ninth time.

Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are among the favourites to capture France Football’s sought-after prize after their impressive performances last season.

Jude Bellingham, who was heavily linked with Manchester United in the past, signed for Real Madrid last summer and enjoyed a successful first season in Spain.

The 20-year-old England midfielder lifted a La Liga title and the Champions League with Madrid, with Bellingham scoring 23 times in 42 appearances for Madrid.

Vinicius Junior, much like Bellingham, impressed in his campaign with Los Blancos and scored 24 times in 39 appearances across all competitions last season.

The 23-year-old Brazil winger also made his mark in the Champions League final after he found the back of the net in the 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand makes major Euro 2024 prediction for one Man Utd talent, he does not see him starting for his country

Mourinho predicts 2024 Ballon d’Or winner

Both Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham could strengthen their claim on the Ballon d’Or award if they capture major silverware on the international stage this summer.

Bellingham is tipped to play a key role for England at Euro 2024 in Germany, while Vinicius Junior is set to lead the attack for Brazil at the 2024 Copa America.

Kylian Mbappe is also considered among the favourites for the Ballon d’Or and could make his claim for the award if he captains France to victory at Euro 2024.

Speaking to TNT Sports (via TikTok), Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand asked Jose Mourinho for his predictions on Euro 2024 and the winner of the Ballon d’Or.

Mourinho, who previously revealed his winner for Euro 2024, did not hesitate when he named Vinicius Junior as his pick for the next Ballon d’Or recipient.

“I think Vinicius [Junior],” he said.

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho has tipped one former Man Utd star who has ‘lot of influence’ to play major role at Euro 2024

Ferdinand predicts his Ballon d’Or winner

Ferdinand made his position clear after the Champions League final at Wembley that Vinicius Junior would win the award ahead of Kylian Mbappe or Bellingham.

While watching Vinicius Junior in the Champions League final earlier this month, he said: “Ballon d’Or. Ballon d’Or. Ballon d’Or. Ballon d’Or. Ballon d’Or. Ballon d’Or.

“He has just taken the Ballon d’Or. Is that Ballon d’Or in the bag now? Has he gone ahead now for the Ballon d’Or?”

The United legend later added: “He has looked dangerous in the second half, he has looked dangerous.

“And then he scores and backs it up. In the biggest moments in the Champions League this season, Vinicius Junior has turned up.”