Vinicius Jr, Not Rodri Deserves 2024 Ballon d’Or Award – Benzema

Former Real Madrid star player, Karim Benzema, has stated that his former teammate, Vinicius Junior, was more deserving of the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.

Naija News reported earlier that the organizers of the individual player award named Manchester City’s Rodri as the winner of the award.

Vinicius, however, finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.

The award, which was presented to Rodri, a Spanish midfielder in Paris, France, on Monday night, has since generated mixed reactions among football lovers across the world.

As a result of the development, Vinicius and members of Real Madrid club boycotted the award ceremony.

Reacting to the Monday night event, Benzema who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side, Al-Ittihad, revealed that he spoke with Vinicius, and the Brazilian was sad for not winning the Ballon d’Or ahead of Rodri.

According to him, Rodri has not done anything special to wow him.

“I spoke to Vini, he’s sad… it’s also normal. He deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.

“I’ve nothing against Rodri, good player…but I’m on my sofa watching TV and Rodri doesn’t do anything that makes you say: wow!,” Benzema tells @elchiringuitotv.

Guardiola, Aguero Speak On Real Madrid’s Reaction To 2024 Ballon d’Or

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he respects Real Madrid’s decision to skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday night, October 28.

Spanish and Manchester City midfielder Rodri took home the award, ahead of Real Madrid players Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal.

Rodri was voted by a panel of 100 voters made up of journalists and coaches across the world.

Aware of the outcome before the event, Real Madrid decided not to attend, resulting in no representatives being present to accept the Men’s Club of the Year award for the Spanish giants and the Gerd Muller trophy for Kylian Mbappe.

Guardiola addressed the situation, saying, “It’s up to them. If they choose to congratulate us, that’s appreciated. If not, that’s okay too. At Manchester City, we respect other clubs’ decisions.”

Meanwhile, former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has offered his perspective on Real Madrid’s reaction to Rodri’s victory at the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

He described the club’s response as somewhat entitled, especially after they cancelled their participation upon learning Vinicius would not win the award.

Aguero emphasized that Rodri’s achievement was well-deserved, stating, “Rodri is the best player in the world. Football belongs to everyone, not just Real Madrid; they should recognize that.”