'Rodri is not that impressive' – Karim Benzema says Vinicius Junior should have his own Ballon d'Or
Real Madrid lamented that Vinicius Junior missed out on the Ballon d'Or this week, the club decided not to attend the gala in Paris, and conspiracy stories appeared in the local press. A number of figures associated with the club have also supports Viniciusclaiming that he deserved the award, and Karim Benzema is the last.
Benzema posted a photo of the two hugging after the result was announced, but has now given an interview explaining why he felt his former team-mate deserved it.
“I do not want to talk about France Football or France. As I have already said, and it is not only this year, when he was also in Madrid, Vinicius is a player who has made a lot of efforts. It is not only about scoring goals. In the Champions League that Madrid won last season, he was decisive in every game. I think there is no one who deserves it more than Vinicius,” he told El Chiringuito.
“He (Vinicius) was sad, it's normal.”
“When I'm on the couch, watching TV and I don't see things that make me say 'ugh' (from Rodri). And Vinicius did it more than once.
Karim Benzema on the #BallonDor. #RealMadrid #ManCity pic.twitter.com/cSS2i7eAkA
— Football España (@footballespana_) October 30, 2024
“I have nothing against Rodri, and he's a great player, but when I'm on the sofa, watching TV and I don't see things that make me say 'ugh'. And Vinicius did it more than once. He deserves the Ballon d'Or”.
On Tuesday it was reported that Vinicius felt defeated from the result, with the local press announcing the winner weeks before.
“I spoke with him, I sent him a message. It was sad, it's normal. It's difficult when everyone sees that you are the winner of the Ballon d'Or and at the end a few hours before you say that you he won't win. He's a good boy, he'll work and one day he'll win,” Benzema predicted.
After the result, Vinicius posted a message on social media saying that he will do it 10 times more if necessary. The Brazilian will now have to face not only Jude Bellingham as a rival in his team, but also Kylian Mbappe – Director of Football France. Vincent Garcia suggested that Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos and Bellingham could have shared Real Madrid's vote as an explanation of the result.
