2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema revealed what he said to Vini Jr after missing out to Rodri.
The Ballon d’Or outcome continues to stir opinions, with Rodri winning an award many believed was destined for Vinicius, sparking controversy. Karim Benzema, now at Al Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid, has weighed in, showing firm support for his former teammate.
“I don’t want to talk about France Football or France. As I’ve said before, not just this year but even when I was at Madrid, Vinicius has always put in great effort. It’s not just about scoring goals. In the Champions League Madrid won last season, he was decisive in every match. No one deserves the award more than Vinicius,” said Benzema in a preview of an interview with Spanish TV show El Chiringuito.
I don’t see anything from Rodri that makes me go ‘wow’
After backing Vinicius, Benzema acknowledged Rodri’s achievements, stressing he has “nothing against him” and recognises him as “a great player.”
However, he emphasised why he believes the Real Madrid number 7 deserved the award over the Spaniard: “I’m sitting on the couch, watching TV, and I don’t see anything [from Rodri] that makes me go ‘wow’. Vinicius has done that many times. He deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
Benzema also revealed that he reached out to Vinicius after learning he wouldn’t win. “I spoke to him, sent him a message. He was sad, and it’s understandable.
“It’s tough when everyone sees you as the Ballon d’Or winner, only to be told just hours before that you won’t win. He’s a good guy, and he’ll keep working. One day, he’ll win it,” Benzema concluded.
Real Madrid’s next game is against Valencia in LaLiga on November 2 at 4:00p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT. After that, they have a game in the Champions League against a Pulisic-led AC Milan. That tie will be played on Tuesday November 5, with kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.
TUDN will broadcast the two games while Paramount+ is also an option for the former match, to be held at Mestalla on Spain’s east coast. You can also watch Real Madrid live on FuboTV, which offers a free trial.
Bobckmpruz
164
according to Real Madrid fans, one is a robbery and one is a merit because it wasn't won by their player. such egocentric and stereotype fans. one thing is for sure, Vini will not win ballon d'or.
TheDuke001
62
Who else has noticed how silent Modric has been?
yuudekmpu
27
I am a neutral soccer fan, but let's be honest, for an upcoming player given an opportunity, which one would you emulate between Vini and Rodri in terms of skill development. Rodri as ordinary as he is, there a lot of better midfielders than him. He's lucky to be playing for man city and Spain. Take him to any other club, he will not even be recognised. Vini can go to any club and make a difference. People supporting Rodri have a hidden agenda against Madrid, let alone Vini. In terms of skill, Rodri will retire without reaching the level of Vini. At man city, there are a lot of players better than Rodri, who have win more individual club awards than him. let's give credit where it's due, without fear or favour.
Cayceostu
16
Lautaro is better option than all those rubbish like Rodri,Vini
Koubcelpuz
13
If modrich can won the ballon dior what about rodri, guys think about it
suzbdklst
12
just because it wasn't won by a Real Madrid player doesn't mean Rodri doesn't deserve it💯🤞 until the hypocrites of Real Madrid expain to us how Modric with dismal numbers managed to win it while Rodri has even way better numbers but doesn't deserve it🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 we are tired of hypocrites who think they are entitled to awards. Rodri deserved that Ballon D'or and he steered Spain to win the Euros as the best player of the tournament while Vini Jr ghosted the entire Copa America with Brazil and that's a fact🤞💯 now which one is more important between the Euros with your country and UCL with your club?🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻 Vini Jr was a rightful candidate but there was even more worthy of a candidate in Rodri to walk away with the accolade
al_ameen_101
10
according to Real Madrid fans, one is a robbery and one is a merit because it wasn't won by their player. such egocentric and stereotype fans. one thing is for sure, Vini will not win ballon d'or.
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Sorry to disappoint both were robbery😂😂 This make me remember one stupid reason why they said ronaldo miss out in 2018. Because of a red card😂😂 This year because of vini attitude