Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has come to the defense of his former teammate Vinicius Jr, expressing disappointment over the Brazilian’s Ballon d’Or snub.
Manchester City’s Rodri claimed the prestigious award, edging out Vinicius Jr to second place.
Benzema, now with Al-Ittihad, believes Vinicius Jr has a greater “wow” factor than Rodri, making him a more deserving winner.
The French striker’s comments come after Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris upon learning Vinicius Jr wouldn’t receive the top award.
Karim Benzema Backs Vinicius Jr for Ballon d’Or, Slams Rodri’s Win
In an exclusive interview with El Chiringuito, the former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema expressed his disappointment over Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or snub, firmly believing the Brazilian deserved the award.
Benzema said Vinicius Jr was decisive in Real Madrid’s European championship win last year. Rodri, though a good player, doesn’t have the same “wow” factor as Vinicius Jr according to the French man.
He told El Chiringuito: “Last year, when Real Madrid were European champions, Vinicius was decisive in every game. So I don’t think there is anyone else who deserves it more than Vinicius.”
“I have nothing against Rodri, he’s a good player, but I’m sitting on my couch watching TV and Rodri doesn’t do anything that makes you say ‘wow’. Vinicius has done it to me more than once, so it’s a bit of a shame because he deserved the Ballon d’Or.”
Benzema reveals he spoke with Vinicius and the Brazilian is sad
Benzema hopes Vinicius Jr remains mentally strong despite the snub revealing the Brazilian his understandably sad after learning he wouldn’t win.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner added: “I hope he [Vinicius] is mentally strong. Yesterday I was talking to Vinicius and he is strong enough to work and one day he will have it (the Ballon d’Or).”
“I wrote him a message and he was sad. It’s normal. It’s a bit complicated when everyone sees you winning the Ballon d’Or and in the end, a day before or a few hours before, they tell you that you’re not going to win it. It’s very complicated.”
“Vinicius is a good kid, he is going to work and one day he will win the Ballon d’Or.”
Benzema’s comments highlight the controversy surrounding Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win.
Meanwhile, other prominent figures like Zinedine Zidane share Benzema’s opinion that Vinicius Jr was robbed of the award.
The Brazilian’s impressive displays and crucial role in Real Madrid’s success make a strong case for his candidacy.
Benzema’s support for Vinicius Jr highlights the winger’s remarkable skills and raises doubts about the credibility of the Ballon d’Or decision.
However, the former Real Madrid striker’s words of encouragement will likely boost Vinicius Jr’s morale.
What’s next?
Vinicius Jr will have to keep the disappointment of the Ballon d’Or behind him and focus on Real Madrid’s upcoming Liga match against Valencia, who are currently at the bottom of the table, on Saturday, November 2nd.
What are your thoughts on Benzema’s belief that Vinicius Jr deserves the Ballon d’Or award? Please share your opinions in the comments section below.
