The French great considers the Brazilian superstar the finest in international football ahead of a crucial summer.

After Real Madrid won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League final, Thierry Henry called Vinicius Junior “the best player in the world right now”. The French great was asked by fellow analyst Jamie Carragher if he agreed with his statement that “I think Vini Jr. is the best player in the world.” before Saturday’s 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in London, where he scored.

Henry replied, “Yes, that is what I said — right now,” to Carragher’s perspective before qualifying his statement before kickoff in London. This can change. Everyone talks about Ballon d’Or—Copa America and the Euro will decide. Even if Vinicius or Bellingham scores and Real Madrid wins, the Euro or Copa America will affect the Ballon d’Or winner. This person is ahead of me now.”

With Real teammates Vini Jr. and Jude Bellingham in top form and Kylian Mbappe expected to join next week, the debate is timely. England and France have UEFA Euro 2024 coming up, while the South American will be at Copa America on U.S. soil. Vini Jr. might be a hero for the Selecao Brasileira after Tite’s departure after the FIFA 2022 World Cup.

Bellingham and Mbappe also have league titles, but the French superstar’s Coupe de France victory in his farewell game for Paris Saint-Germain is no match for the Real pair’s UCL silverware. In addition to winning the Euros, Mbappe might also play in the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, which he may now need to win.

If that happens, Henry, who coached the under-21 and under-23 this year, will coach Mbappe and aim to deliver triumph to the host nation. Mbappe may have to wait another year for his first Ballon d’Or, which has been expected for some time but delayed due to PSG’s failure to win the Champions League and Lionel Messi’s unexpecteԀ longevity in top awards.