Former Real Madrid legend and current Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema has expressed his confidence that his former teammate Vinicius Junior will eventually win the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in world football. Speaking about the Brazilian’s recent form and development, Benzema highlighted Vinicius’s consistency, mentality, and impact at Real Madrid, qualities that, according to him, make the young winger one of the best players in the world today. “Vinicius will still win the Ballon d’Or because he continues to show his quality, that he’s the best. He must continue to win titles with Real Madrid, that’s the most important thing,” Benzema said, in comments reported by Madrid Xtra.
Benzema’s words carry particular weight — as a Ballon d’Or winner himself in 2022, he knows what it takes to reach the pinnacle of football. Having shared the pitch with Vinicius for several seasons in Madrid, the French striker witnessed firsthand the Brazilian’s evolution from a talented teenager into one of the most dangerous attackers in Europe. Vinicius, still only in his early twenties, finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting, behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, whose consistent performances and multiple trophies — including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League — earned him the top prize. For Benzema, however, this runner-up finish is only the beginning for the Brazilian star.
Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius Junior has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially criticized for his lack of finishing and inconsistency, he has matured into one of the most complete forwards in the world, combining speed, skill, and tactical intelligence. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius has become the heartbeat of Madrid’s attack, capable of changing the course of a match in an instant.
The 2023–24 season was arguably his finest yet. With over 30 goal contributions across all competitions, he played a pivotal role in helping Real Madrid lift both La Liga and the Champions League. His electric partnership with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo has brought a new dimension to Madrid’s offensive play, blending youth, creativity, and ruthless finishing.
Beyond the statistics, what truly defines Vinicius is his charisma and determination. On and off the pitch, he has become a symbol of resilience. Despite facing hostility and even racist abuse in some stadiums, he has continued to perform at an elite level, responding with goals, assists, and celebrations filled with pride. For Benzema, this mental strength is one of the defining traits that sets Vinicius apart: “Vinicius doesn’t just play football — he fights for it. He’s fearless, confident, and always wants to make a difference. That’s what great players do,” Benzema once remarked in a past interview.
The connection between the two during their shared years at Madrid was undeniable. Benzema’s intelligent movement and playmaking often created space for Vinicius to thrive. Together, they formed one of the most effective attacking duos in world football, leading Real Madrid to Champions League glory in 2022, where Vinicius scored the decisive goal in the final against Liverpool.Although Vinicius narrowly missed out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or, finishing behind Rodri, many experts believe it is only a matter of time before he claims the golden trophy. The Brazilian’s performances in major tournaments, combined with his growing leadership role at Real Madrid, make him one of the leading candidates for future editions.
Karim Benzema’s comments about Vinicius are not just words of encouragement — they reflect a passing of the torch between two generations of Real Madrid legends. Benzema, now playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ittihad, remains emotionally connected to his former club and its players. His admiration for Vinicius is rooted in years of shared triumphs, mutual respect, and the understanding of what it means to represent the white jersey of Madrid.
“Vinicius is special. He has everything to dominate football for many years,” Benzema said earlier this year. Indeed, the Brazilian’s rise has mirrored that of many greats who came before him — young prodigies who evolved into world-beaters through dedication and a relentless hunger for success. As Real Madrid continues to shape its future around young stars, Vinicius stands as the face of the new era — the symbol of flair, passion, and determination that defines the club’s identity. For fans and pundits alike, it feels inevitable that his name will soon be engraved on the Ballon d’Or trophy.
