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

Vinicius was the favorite to receive the award for best male footballer at a star-studded ceremony in Paris.

However, hours before it began, media such as RMC broke the news that the The Brazilian would be overlooked, while Spain and the Manchester City midfielder were set for 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, stated: “I don’t want to talk about France or ‘France Football’. It’s not just this year, but also last year.

“He is a player who has always made 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,” Benzema insisted.

Benzema also stressed that he has “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 say ‘pfff’. Vinicius has done it more than once.”

Benzema revealed that he has already spoken to Vinicius after his disappointment, and the Frenchman who now plies 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 is complicated when everyone sees you as a winner and hours before they tell you that you are not going to win. He is a good guy.” , he is going to work and one day he will win it,” Benzema predicted.

Vinicius promises to perform “10 times” better He said that in the world of football “they are not prepared” for what is coming 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 on Monday won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player under 21 years of age.