Karim Benzema, player of Al-Ittihad Jeddah Club of the Saudi Professional League, spoke exclusively with the program ‘El Chiringuito’ presented by Josep Pedrerol about the ‘FIFA Ballon d’Or’ award that his former teammate Vinicius ultimately did not win. (Real Madrid) and the Spanish Rodri Hernández (Mancheter City) won.
The 36-year-old French forward, who coincided with Vinicius at Real Madrid from 2018 to 2023, said about the Ballon d’Or that “I saw what Vinicius did… I don’t want to talk about France Football or France. As I said a long time ago, and not just this year. Last year too and when I was at Real Madrid too. Vinicius is a player who has always made a lot of effort and it’s not just about scoring goals.”
Last year, when Real Madrid was European champion, Vinicius was decisive in every game. So… I don’t think there is anyone else who deserves it more than him.
Benzema
Benzema argued to Edu Aguirre that, according to his criteria, Vinicius should have won the ‘Ballon d’Or’: “last year, when Real Madrid were European champions, Vinicius was decisive in every game. So… I don’t think “Let there be another who deserves it more than Vinicius.”
Vinicius and Benzema celebrating the Copa del Rey won by Real Madrid in 2023Chema Rey
Benzema explains what, for him, is the difference between Rodri and Vinicius
The Lyon striker wanted to make it clear that “I have nothing against Rodri, who is a good player”, although he wanted to clarify that “but I’m on my couch, I watch television and Rodri doesn’t do things that say “Pffff”, and Vinicius does that. He’s done it more than once.”
It’s a bit sad and I don’t feel good for Vinicius, who deserves the Ballon d’Or
Benzema
“It’s a bit sad and I don’t feel good for Vinicius, who deserves the Ballon d’Or,” Benzema acknowledged.
Benzema spoke with Vinicius after the Ballon d’Or
Karim Benzema acknowledged that he contacted Vinicius after learning the outcome of the Ballon d’Or award: “I hope he is strong in the head. Yesterday I was talking to Vinicius and he is strong to work and one day he will have it (the Ball of Gold)”.
Yesterday I was talking to Vinicius and he is strong to work and one day he will have it (the Ballon d’Or)
Benzema
“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 “he explained.
Exclusive interview by Edu Aguirre with Benzema in El ChiringuitoEl Chiringuito
Benzema believes that “Vinicius is a good boy, he is going to work and one day he is going to win the Ballon d’Or.”
