Karim Benzema names favourite to win Ballon d'Or between Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham

• The race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award is in full swing, with several players vying for the prestigious football prize
• A flurry of players, including the Real Madrid duo of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, are among the favourites for the prize
• Former France and Real Madrid attacker, Karim Benzema, has identified the favourite for the award in a recent interview

The race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is intensifying, with numerous players competing for the prestigious France Football Award.

Real Madrid stars, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, are strong contenders for the prize, thanks to their outstanding performances for the club in La Liga this season.

However, as the football award gala slated for October continues to draw near, several other players have begun to be linked with the award.

Karim Benzema received the Ballon d'Or award during the 2022 France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 17, 2022. Image: Franck Fife.
Source: Getty Images

According to a recent report from Goal, Manchester City midfielder, Rodrigo Hernandez, and Inter Milan forward, Lautaro Martínez, have emerged as some of the favourites for the prize.

Nonetheless, amid the growing and ever-changing list of favourites for the award, former Real Madrid forward, Karim Benzema, has also been identified as a contender for the Ballon d’Or.

Benzema speaks on Ballon d’Or favourite

In a recent interview as reported by Madrid Universal, the 36-year-old spoke about who he believes deserves to win the prestigious award.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner endorsed his former teammate, Vinícius Júnior, as the top candidate for this year’s prize.

"I would choose Vinícius because he deserves it after the season he had, and not just for his performances this year. He has always shown a deep passion for football; he’s a young player and a complete footballer."

The Al Ittihad forward also highlighted Vinícius’s ability to influence crucial matches single-handedly.

"Vinícius can win a game on his own, though of course, with the support of his teammates. He is exceptional when Real Madrid needs him, and that’s why I believe he deserves the Ballon d’Or. He’s consistently present, so he’s the best candidate in my opinion."

The former France striker’s sentiments resonate with many who have tipped the young Brazilian as a strong contender for the prestigious award.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on October 28.

Messi snubs Bellinghamfor Ballon d’Or

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lionel Messi has excluded Jude Bellingham from the 2024 Ballon d'Or race but has named Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe among the frontrunners for the award.

The England midfielder, who had a stellar debut season with Real Madrid, is expected to provide stiff competition to whoever is in the running for the prize.

The Ballon d’Or, which both Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have largely dominated over the last decade, saw the Argentina captain add another to his record-extending accolade following his triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Source: TUKO.co.ke