Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on Friday, May 10, praised Vinícius Júnior after the forward’s starring role in club’s Champions League semifinal win over Bayern Munich, saying “this is Vinícius’ moment,” ESPN reports.

The Brazil international was the outstanding player in Madrid’s 2-1 comeback win over Bayern at the Bernabeu on Wednesday. He also scored twice in the first leg a week earlier. Vinícius, 23, has also scored 13 goals in La Liga this season, helping clinch the title for Madrid with four games to spare.

“He’s among the best [in the world]. This is Vinícius’ moment. He’s contributing a lot. He’s helped the team get to the Champions League final, and he helped the team win the league,” Ancelotti said in a news conference on Friday.

As reported, Vinícius’ performances have led to speculation that he might be a candidate to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or. “It isn’t handed out today,” Ancelotti said, when asked if the forward should receive the award.

“He isn’t lacking much. He has one more game, the [Champions League] final, and he has the Copa América coming up. If he does well in the final and in the Copa America, he could win it.”