On Monday, striker Karim Benzema, currently at Al-Ittihad, named Brazilian Vinícius Júnior, his former teammate at Real Madrid, as the big favorite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
“Ballon d’Or? I’ll say Vini because he deserves it for his season and not just for what he did this year, but also for what he did last year. He’s a kid, but a complete football player,” he said in an interview with the newspaper Brand.
The Frenchman justified his choice and highlighted the number 7’s ability to be decisive in matches.
“He can win a game on his own, of course, with the help of his teammates, but he is very good when Real Madrid need him and that is why I think he deserves it. He is always there and always shows up. For all that, my favorite is Vini,” he explained.
Together, Vinícius Júnior and Benzema won the 2022 Champions League, that year the French striker took home the Ballon d’Or.
😍 @ViniJr 😍
🛒 https://t.co/iqMbrhg2Yn pic.twitter.com/JDMFVa6B7T— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) July 22, 2024
Now, the Brazilian is one of the favorites for the award. Last season, Vini lifted the Champions League trophy again with Real Madrid, being decisive in the knockout stages, including scoring a goal in the final. He was also champion of the Spanish Championship.
Vinícius Júnior’s main competitors are: defensive midfielder Rodri and midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The Spaniard won the English Championship again with Manchester City and was champion of the European Championship, being named best player of the tournament. The English athlete led his country to the final of the continental tournament and was one of the main players for Real Madrid during the season.
Finally, Benzema also commented on the arrival of French striker Kylian Mbappé at the Merengue club.
“Sooner or later he would play for Real Madrid. I always thought that and that’s how it happened. He’s a great player,” he said.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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