Karim Benzema, the winner of the award two years ago, has backed former Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior to be the next winner of the Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius is the favourite after starring for Los Blancos to win the Champions League, La Liga and Supercopa, but has failed to rescue Brazil from the Copa America quarter-finals at international level. Club team-
mate Jude Bellingham, who competed at the Euros with England, and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, the continental champions and player of the tournament, are also among the contenders. However, Benzema, who won the
2022 Ballon d’Or, is still looking ahead to Vinicius, telling โปรโมชั่น ufabet Spanish publication Marca over the weekend : “
Vinicius deserves the Ballon d’Or, not just for what he did this year but also for what he did last year.” The 36-year-old France forward, now with Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, began.
“He is better than everyone. With what he does with the ball, Vinicius is a complete player and can decide games by himself.
“He can always be relied on when Real Madrid needs him. For all the reasons I see Vinicius as the favourite.” Benzema
was unable to help Al Ittihad retain their Saudi Arabian title last season, and a rift led to the sacking of coach Marcelo Gallardo. But Madrid’s form has left him with a good feeling. “Last season
at Madrid was incredible and it made me very happy. Madrid is my team. I will always support the club and my team-mates,” Benzema continued.
“Some players have come and some have left, but Madrid is still the best team: the players, the coaches, the president. Now I look around and I don’t see a team better than them. “
However, I do not regret leaving. It was the right time and it had to happen. Of course, looking back, I am happy.”