Rodri received the award that many believed was meant for Vinicius, sparking debate that Benzema has now added his thoughts to.
The former player, now at Al Ittihad, did not hesitate to support his old teammate. “I don’t want to talk about France Football or France. As I have said, and it’s not just this year, when I was at Madrid too, Vinicius is a player who has put in a lot of effort. It’s not just about scoring goals.
“In the Champions League that Madrid won last season, he was decisive in every match. I believe there is no one more deserving than Vinicius,” the player stated in a preview of an interview with El Chiringuito.
Following his endorsement of the Brazilian, Benzema also praised Rodri’s performances, making it clear that he holds “no grudges against him” toward him and considers him “a great player.”
Nonetheless, Benzema emphasized why he feels Madrid’s number 7 was more deserving of the award than the Spaniard.
Benzema said: “I’m sitting on the couch, watching TV, and I don’t see things that make me say ‘wow’. And Vinicius has done that more than once. He deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
The Frenchman explained that after learning the Brazilian star would not be the winner, he reached out to offer his support.
“I was talking with him, I texted him. He was sad; it’s normal. It’s tough when everyone sees you as the Ballon d’Or, and then a few hours before, they tell you that you are not going to win. He’s a good kid, he will work, and one day he will win,” Benzema concluded.
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