Vinicius Junior lost against Rodri (Manchester City) in a fight to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or last week.
Many were surprised by Rodri's election rather than Vinicius. Some of the players who supported the 24-year-old striker called the 2024 Ballon d'Or unfair.
One of the former Real Madrid players, Karim Benzema, feels that Los Blancos' disappointment can be justified because Vinicius was last season's best player.
"When Real Madrid won Europe (League Champions) last season, Vinicius was decisive in every game."
"I don't think anyone else deserves it more than him. It's a bit sad."
"I don't feel happy for Vinicius, who deserves the Ballon d'Or," Benzema told El Chiringuito.
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Benzema said Vinicius' talent stands out more than Rodri's talent.
"I'm not against Rodri, who is a good player. However, I was on the sofa, watching television, and Rodri didn't do anything that made me say: 'Fung'. However, Vinicius has done that more than once," he said.
Benzema, who now plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad, believes that the Brazilian forward will one day win the Ballon d'Or.
Furthermore, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner admitted that Vinicius' mentality had fallen to see the decision on the award night.
"I spoke to Vinicius, he is strong for work. One day he will get it (Ballon d'Or)."
"He's sad. It's natural. It's a bit complicated when everyone sees you predicted to be strong in winning the Ballon d'Or."
"But, in the end, the day before or a few hours earlier, they told you you weren't going to win it."
"Vinicius is a good person. He will work hard and one day win the Ballon d'Or," Benzema said again.
Vinicius scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in all last season to bring Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League champions.
The contribution included his team's second goal in a Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund last season.
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