The Ballon d’Or outcome continues to stir opinions, with Rodri winning an award many believed was destined for Vinicius, sparking controversy. Karim Benzema, now at Al Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid, has weighed in, showing firm support for his former teammate.

“I don’t want to talk about France Football or France. As I’ve said before, not just this year but even when I was at Madrid, Vinicius has always put in great effort. It’s not just about scoring goals. In the Champions League Madrid won last season, he was decisive in every match. No one deserves the award more than Vinicius,” said Benzema in a preview of an interview with Spanish TV show El Chiringuito.

I don’t see anything from Rodri that makes me go ‘wow’

After backing Vinicius, Benzema acknowledged Rodri’s achievements, stressing he has “nothing against him” and recognises him as “a great player.”

However, he emphasised why he believes the Real Madrid number 7 deserved the award over the Spaniard: “I’m sitting on the couch, watching TV, and I don’t see anything [from Rodri] that makes me go ‘wow’. Vinicius has done that many times. He deserves the Ballon d’Or.”

Benzema also revealed that he reached out to Vinicius after learning he wouldn’t win. “I spoke to him, sent him a message. He was sad, and it’s understandable.

“It’s tough when everyone sees you as the Ballon d’Or winner, only to be told just hours before that you won’t win. He’s a good guy, and he’ll keep working. One day, he’ll win it,” Benzema concluded.

Real Madrid’s next game is against Valencia in LaLiga on November 2 at 4:00p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT. After that, they have a game in the Champions League against a Pulisic-led AC Milan. That tie will be played on Tuesday November 5, with kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.

TUDN will broadcast the two games while Paramount+ is also an option for the former match, to be held at Mestalla on Spain’s east coast. You can also watch Real Madrid live on FuboTV, which offers a free trial.