Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has criticized the decision to award the Ballon d’Or to Rodri and said his former teammate Vinicius was “sad” to have been snubbed by France Football for the prestigious accolade. while appearing on a popular Spanish television show The Chiringuito.

Vinicius was the favorite to receive the best male footballer award at a prestigious ceremony in Paris.

Hours before the start, however, media outlets such as CMR announced the news that the The Brazilian would be overlooked while the Spanish and Manchester City midfielder was expected to allow Rodri to finish first in the voting.which turned out to be true.

Asked about the furor during an appearance on The ChiringuitoBenzema, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 at the expense of Lionel Messi, said: “I don’t want to talk about France or ‘France Football’. It’s not just this year, last year Also.

“He is a player who has always put in a lot of effort. It’s not just about scoring goals. In every game, Vinicius was decisive last year. There is no other who deserves it more than Vinicius,” insisted Benzema.

Benzema also stressed that he had “nothing against Rodri”, who is a “good player”.

“But I’m on the couch watching TV and he doesn’t do things that make me go ‘pfff’. Vinicius has done that more than once.”

Benzema revealed he had already spoken to Vinicius following his disappointment, and the Frenchman now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia praised the winger for his mental strength.

“He is mentally strong to continue working, I was talking to him yesterday, he is sad and normal. It’s complicated when everyone sees you as a winner and hours before they tell you that you’re not going to win. He’s a good guy, he will work and one day he will win,” Benzema predicted.

Vinicius promises to do “10 times” better said that in the world of football “they are not ready” for what comes next from him.

‘Vini’ now begins his campaign for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but could face strong competition from FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. who won the Kopa Trophy for best young player under 21 on Monday.