Former Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, like his former club Real Madrid, disagrees with the way this year's Ballon d'Or winner was chosen. The Frenchman believes that Vinícius Júnior deserved the award more than Rodri.
Karim Benzema’s recent comments have reignited the ongoing debate surrounding the Ballon d'Or selection process, bringing to light longstanding tensions between Real Madrid and France Football, the award’s organizer.
Benzema, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2022 for his exceptional performances with Real Madrid, voiced his disappointment regarding the outcome of this year’s award, which he feels overlooked deserving talent from his former club. Many expected Vinícius Júnior to claim the title, given his pivotal role in Real Madrid's recent successes, but when it became clear that he would not win, Real Madrid decided to boycott the ceremony in protest. The absence of prominent Real Madrid players and officials at the event underscored the growing discord between the club and the award's organizers.
Benzema, who left Real Madrid earlier this year to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, has seen firsthand the complexities surrounding the award during his tenure at the Spanish club. He explained his dissatisfaction with France Football on the Spanish TV program El Chiringuito, noting that tensions over the Ballon d'Or are not new. “I don’t feel like talking about France Football. This is not something new this year. It was already happening during my time at Real,” Benzema said, referring to what he perceives as a pattern of undervaluing Real Madrid’s contributions to the sport on the international stage.
Benzema’s defense of Vinícius Júnior, his former teammate, was passionate and unreserved. “I think no one deserved the Ballon d'Or more than Vinícius. And I’m not just looking at his goals,” Benzema remarked. He emphasized the Brazilian forward’s influence beyond mere statistics, pointing to the consistency with which Vinícius delivered in crucial moments for Real Madrid, particularly during their Champions League campaign. “When Real won the Champions League last season, he was decisive in every match,” Benzema said. This ability to impact high-stakes games, Benzema argues, makes Vinícius an ideal candidate for the Ballon d'Or, in stark contrast to Rodri, who ultimately won the award. “I have nothing against Rodri; he’s a great player, but when I'm lying on the couch watching TV, I don’t see him do something that makes me go: wow. Vinícius does that.”
The snub clearly affected Vinícius, as Benzema shared that he reached out to the young star to offer his support. "I also sent Vini a message. He was very disappointed, and that’s understandable,” Benzema disclosed. "When everyone thinks you’re going to win the Ballon d'Or, and you find out a few hours before that it’s not happening, it’s very tough." This disappointment, however, has only strengthened Benzema’s belief that Vinícius will eventually claim the prestigious title. “But he’s a good guy. Vini will work hard, and one day he will still win the Ballon d'Or,” Benzema concluded, expressing confidence in Vinícius’s resilience and determination.
This public support from Benzema reflects the broader sentiment at Real Madrid, where many feel the club’s players are often overlooked for major awards. Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony this year marks a significant escalation in their longstanding grievances with France Football. The club’s management, along with its players, has become increasingly vocal about what they perceive as a lack of recognition for their achievements. This boycott, widely covered by sports media, is seen as a symbolic stand against what they believe to be an unfair selection process that undervalues Real Madrid players, particularly in comparison to rivals.
The tension around the Ballon d'Or also sheds light on the subjective nature of awards in football, where individual brilliance is often weighed against team success, league strength, and even personal narratives. Vinícius’s case highlights how players from different leagues or with distinct playing styles are evaluated differently, sparking ongoing debates about what it truly means to be the best player in the world. For Benzema, this disparity is evident in the treatment of Vinícius compared to other players. As one of Real Madrid’s most influential figures during his time there, Benzema’s perspective holds weight among fans and analysts alike.
While Benzema now plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, his allegiance to Real Madrid remains strong, and his comments reflect his loyalty to the club and its players. His words are likely to resonate with Real Madrid supporters who feel that Vinícius, and Real Madrid as a whole, deserve more respect on the global stage. Benzema’s defense of his former teammate speaks to the close-knit nature of the Real Madrid family, where players past and present stand together in the face of perceived injustices.
As Vinícius processes the disappointment, Benzema’s encouragement may serve as a powerful motivator for the young Brazilian forward. With Benzema’s vote of confidence, fans are left hopeful that Vinícius’s journey to the top remains far from over. The Brazilian winger, known for his electrifying speed, technical skills, and ability to change the course of a game, continues to improve and inspire, making it clear that his ambitions stretch beyond this season’s awards.
