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 12 months, with the trophy being handed to Manchester Metropolis midfielder Rodri as a substitute.
The transfer triggered critical backlash from Vinicius and Actual Madrid, who opted to skip the occasion completely.
Benzema, who left Actual Madrid for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in 2023, attended Madrid’s current Spanish Supercopa win in opposition to Mallorca in Jeddah and met up with the squad beforehand in the course of the day.
Chatting with Marca, Benzema mentioned: “I instructed Vinicius] to not take any discover. He shouldn’t decrease his depth, as a result of he’s the most effective on the earth, and in the future he’ll win the Ballon d’Or.”
Whereas he might have missed out on the primary prize, Vinicius was awarded FIFA’s Males’s ‘The Finest’ 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 high of the desk forward of Al-Hilal. The 37-year-old has netted 10 objectives in 10 appearances alongside the way in which.
Responding to rumours that he might 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 ok. I prepare nicely and we’ll see how I really feel annually.”
“I wish to maintain profitable.
“In my head, I wish to win a trophy with Al Ittihad. It’s tough as a result of the extent has improved lots and the groups are robust, higher than earlier than. We’ll maintain working, as a result of we haven’t received something but.”
Whereas he seems joyful 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 joyful. The time will come to see how my life is, and for positive I’ll be near Madrid.”
