AFCON 2025
Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has voiced his support for Vinicius Jr, saying the Brazilian winger deserved the Ballon d’Or over Rodri.
“Viní deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. I have spoken to him, and he is sad. It is normal,” Benzema said in an interview with El Chiringuito.
Benzema also shared his thoughts on Rodri’s win, stating:
“I have nothing against Rodri, he’s a good player, but I’m on my sofa watching TV and Rodri doesn’t do anything that makes you say ‘wow’. Vini has done it more than once.”
Reflecting on the situation, the former Real Madrid captain acknowledged the difficulty of Vinicius Jr’s disappointment, especially given the widespread expectation that he’d take home the award.
“I think it’s complicated when the whole world sees you winning the Ballon d’Or and in the end, a day before, or an hour before, they say you will not win it. It’s very complicated.”
Despite the setback, Benzema offered words of encouragement for Vinicius Jr.
“Vinicius is a good boy, he will work and he will one day win the Ballon d’Or.”
