Turin, December 31 (LaPresse) – Luiz Henrique of Botafogo is the winner of the South American Ballon d'Or. Turning 24 on January 2, he was awarded the "King of America" prize by the Uruguayan newspaper El País. This recognition is determined by votes from 244 journalists across the continent.
The forward took first place with a commanding lead. Henrique received a total of 128 votes, securing victory with a margin of over 100 votes ahead of his teammate at Botafogo, Jefferson Savarino. The Venezuelan came in second with 25 votes, while Juan Fernando Quintero finished third with 17 votes. Thiago Almada earned 15 votes, and Lionel Messi tied with Uruguayan Leo Fernández for fifth place, both receiving 14 votes.
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