Karim Benzema said that Vinicius Junior will win the Ballon d'Or in the near future.
The Brazilian striker failed to collect the prestigious award last year, with the trophy being handed to Manchester City midfielder Rodri instead.
The move caused a backlash from Vinicius and Real Madrid, who chose to skip the event entirely.
Benzema, who left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in 2023, attended Madrid's recent Spanish Super Cup win over Mallorca in Jeddah and met the team earlier in the day.
Speaking to Marca, Benzema said: “I told Vinicius not to pay attention to that. He should not lower his intensity, because he is the best in the world, and one day he will win the Ballon d’Or.
Although he may have missed out on the main award, Vinicius was awarded the FIFA Men's 'Best' award last month.
🤩 A very special visit to Jeddah!
👉 @Benzema#SuperCup pic.twitter.com/z5JfwNZHE7– Real Madrid FC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 9, 2025
Life in Saudi Arabia
Benzema is enjoying life in Saudi Arabia since leaving Madrid.
The French striker is thriving with Al-Ittihad, which tops the standings ahead of Al-Hilal. The 37-year-old has scored 10 goals in 10 matches along the way.
Responding to rumors that he might retire at the end of the season, Benzema said: “I don't know whose words they are. Nonsense. I have no limit to say that I will retire from football in two, three or four years.”
“I feel good. My body is fine. I'm training well and we'll see how I feel every year.
“I want to keep winning.
“In my mind, I want to win the title with Al-Ittihad. It is difficult because the level has improved a lot and the teams are strong and better than before. We will continue to work, because we have not won anything yet.”
While he appears happy in Saudi Arabia, when asked about a possible return to Madrid in the future, Benzema left the door open, adding: “Why not? I am now in Jeddah, and I am happy. The time will come to see what my life is like, and of course I will be close to Madrid.
