Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend reveals conversation with Vinicius after Ballon d’Or fiasco – ‘He is sad’
Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, now playing for Al-Ittihad in Jeddah, shared his thoughts on the Ballon d’Or in an interview with El Chiringuito.
The French striker discussed his disappointment regarding the award, which went to Rodri instead of his former Real Madrid teammate, Vinicius Jr.
While reflecting on the Brazilian’s contributions, he highlighted his efforts both on and off the field. He shared that Vinicius has always demonstrated incredible dedication, and it is not just about the goals he scores.
“I saw what Vinicius did… I don’t want to talk about France Football or France. As I said a long time ago, and not just this year.
According to Benzema, Vinicius consistently makes an impact with his overall performance and energy, qualities that Benzema feels should have earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
“Last year too and when I was at Real Madrid too. Vinicius is a player who has always made a lot of effort and it’s not just about scoring goals,” he began saying.
More on Vinicius
In Benzema’s view, Vinicius was particularly deserving of the award last year, especially given Real Madrid’s success in the Champions League.
He noted that Vinicius had a decisive influence on nearly every game and was a key player in helping the club achieve European glory.
“Last year, when Real Madrid were European champions, Vinicius was decisive in every game. So I don’t think there is anyone else who deserves it more than Vinicius,” he added.
Nothing against Rodri
Although Benzema acknowledged Rodri’s talent, he was clear that Vinicius stands out more to him.
He mentioned that while Rodri is a solid player, Vinicius’s performances have a unique spark that grabs attention in a way others do not.
“I have nothing against Rodri, he’s a good player, but I’m sitting on my couch watching TV and Rodri doesn’t do anything that makes you say ‘Pfff’.
“Vinicius has done it to me more than once, so it’s a bit of a shame because he deserved the Ballon d’Or,” he noted.
Feeling emotional for Vinicius
After the award results were announced, Benzema reached out to Vinicius to offer support. He shared that Vinicius was understandably disappointed, as the anticipation around him winning was high.
Benzema reassured Vinicius, encouraging him to stay focused and keep working hard. He expressed confidence that Vinicius will eventually receive the Ballon d’Or he deserves, as his dedication and talent will continue to shine.
“I hope he is mentally strong. Yesterday I was talking to Vinicius and he is strong enough to work and one day he will have it (the Ballon d’Or).”
In Benzema’s eyes, Vinicius is not only a skilled player but also a humble and hardworking individual who will one day earn the recognition he deserves on the world stage.
“I wrote him a message and he was sad. It’s normal. It’s a bit complicated when everyone sees you winning the Ballon d’Or and in the end, a day before or a few hours before, they tell you that you’re not going to win it. It’s very complicated.”
“Vinicius is a good kid, he is going to work and one day he will win the Ballon d’Or,” he concluded.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
