Karim Benzema's Support for Vinicius Jr. After Ballon d'Or Loss
Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid star and current captain of the Saudi Federation, expressed his disappointment over Vinicius Jr.'s failure to win the Ballon d'Or, which was awarded to Manchester City's Rodri. Benzema, who played alongside Vinicius from 2018 to 2023, emphasized that he has nothing against Rodri but believes that Vinicius's contributions on the field make him more deserving of the prestigious award. "Vinicius has always put in a lot of effort and was decisive in every game during Real Madrid's Champions League victory last season. I don't think there is anyone else who deserves it more than him," Benzema stated.
The 36-year-old French striker noted that he had spoken to Vinicius, who was understandably sad about the outcome. "It’s a bit complicated when everyone nominates you to win the Ballon d'Or, and then you find out just hours before that you’re not going to win it. I hope he is mentally strong; he will get it one day," Benzema added, showing his confidence in Vinicius's future.
Rodri's Surprising Victory and Its Impact
Rodri, who was awarded the Ballon d'Or, is recognized for his instrumental role in Manchester City's success, including their fourth consecutive Premier League title and a European Championship win with Spain. The award came as a surprise to many, particularly as Vinicius had been a strong contender after winning both the Spanish league and Champions League titles.
During the award ceremony in Paris, Rodri expressed gratitude, stating, "It's a special day for me, my family, and my country." He acknowledged the significance of the award not just for himself but for Spanish football, highlighting the legacy of past legends like Iniesta and Xavi who had not won the title. Despite the joy of his recognition, the ceremony was overshadowed by Real Madrid's boycott, stemming from their belief that Vinicius was the rightful winner.
Future Prospects for Vinicius Jr.
Despite the disappointment, Benzema remains optimistic about Vinicius Jr.'s future in football. He reassured fans that Vinicius is a hardworking player who will eventually earn the Ballon d'Or. "He is strong enough to work hard, and one day he will win it," Benzema stated. This sentiment reflects a shared belief among fans and analysts that Vinicius's talent and determination will eventually lead him to individual accolades in the future, potentially setting the stage for a competitive race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
In summary, while Rodri's achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, the conversation surrounding the Ballon d'Or continues to highlight the exceptional talent of Vinicius Jr. and the expectations for his future successes.
