Karim Benzema says Vinicius Junior will win the Ballon d’Or within the close to future.
The Brazilian ahead narrowly missed out on the distinguished award final yr, with the trophy being handed to Manchester Metropolis midfielder Rodri as a substitute.
The transfer induced severe backlash from Vinicius and Actual Madrid, who opted to skip the occasion totally.
Benzema, who left Actual Madrid for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in 2023, attended Madrid’s latest Spanish Supercopa win towards Mallorca in Jeddah and met up with the squad beforehand in the course of the day.
Talking to Marca, Benzema mentioned: “I informed Vinicius] to not take any discover. He shouldn’t decrease his depth, as a result of he’s one of the best on the planet, and in the future he’ll win the Ballon d’Or.”
Whereas he could have missed out on the principle prize, Vinicius was awarded FIFA’s Males’s ‘The Greatest’ award final month.
🤩 A VERY particular go to in Jeddah!
👉 @Benzema#SuperSupercopa pic.twitter.com/z5JfwNZHE7
— Actual Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 9, 2025
Life in Saudi
Benzema has been having fun with life out in Saudi Arabia since leaving Madrid.
The French striker has been thriving with Al Ittihad, who sit prime of the desk forward of Al-Hilal. The 37-year-old has netted 10 targets in 10 appearances alongside the best way.
Responding to rumours that he could retire on the finish of the season, Benzema mentioned: “I don’t know whose phrases they’re. Nonsense. I don’t have a restrict, to have the ability to say that in two, three or 4 years, I’ll be leaving soccer.
“I really feel good. My physique is okay. I practice effectively and we’ll see how I really feel annually.”
“I need to preserve profitable.
“In my head, I need to win a trophy with Al Ittihad. It’s troublesome as a result of the extent has improved loads and the groups are robust, higher than earlier than. We’ll preserve working, as a result of we haven’t received something but.”
Whereas he seems pleased in Saudi, when requested a few potential return to Madrid sooner or later, Benzema left the door open, including: “Why not? I’m in Jeddah now, and I’m pleased. The time will come to see how my life is, and for positive I’ll be near Madrid.”