Vinícius Júnior has seen his Ballon d'Or aspirations diminished after an uneven performance in the Copa América, where he only stood out in one out of three games he participated in, due to a suspension that kept him out of the fourth match for the "Canarinha" in the tournament.

The Real Madrid winger arrived as the leader of a Brazilian team without Neymar, who did not recover in time from a left knee cruciate ligament injury.

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His recent achievements include the Spanish Supercup, LaLiga, and a new Champions League title. Expectations in Brazil were very high, perhaps too high for a young and developing team, and the results fell below expectations.

This setback marks a negative point in an outstanding season with his club, which could affect his chances of succeeding Lionel Messi and winning the Ballon d'Or. In football jargon, it would be said that he "no longer has his destiny in his hands" to achieve it.

Also contending for this prestigious award are Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Toni Kroos, who retired this year, as well as Jude Bellingham.

The English midfielder is now seen as the main threat. He has been crucial for Real Madrid and recently reached the semifinals of the EURO.

In the Round of 16, he scored an agonizing bicycle kick goal, a candidate for the season's best, which forced extra time against Slovakia (2-1). In the semifinals, he will face the Netherlands, with France or Spain as possible opponents in a hypothetical final.

If Bellingham wins the EURO, it could mean the end, at least for this year, of Vinícius's golden dream.