No one “deserved” to win this year’s Ballon d’Or more than Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, according to Karim Benzema, who also implied that Rodri, the real winner, isn’t a player that thrills supporters.

While Rodri played a key role as the “number six” in Manchester City’s Premier League success and Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, Vinicius Junior scored the game-winning goal for Madrid as they accomplished a rare La Liga and Champions League double.

Since the Spaniard won the Ballon d’Or before the Brazilian, opinions have been divided.

“Vinicius was crucial in every match during Real Madrid’s run as European champions last year. Benzema, who won the 2022 Ballon d’Or, said Spanish television El Chiringuito, “I don’t think anyone else deserves it more than Vinicius.”

“I have nothing against Rodri; he’s a good player, but while I’m watching TV on my couch, he doesn’t do anything that really caught my attention. It’s unfortunate because Vinicius deserves the Ballon d’Or, but he has done it to me more than once.

“I hope Vinicius has a strong mind. Vinicius is strong enough to work and will eventually receive [a Ballon d’Or], according to our conversation. He was depressed when I sent him a message. It’s typical. When everyone witnesses you winning the Ballon d’Or and then tells you that you won’t, it’s a little tricky. It’s really intricate.

“Vinicius is a good kid, he is going to work and one day he will win the Ballon d’Or.”

A few hours prior to Monday’s Ballon d’Or presentation, it was claimed that Vinicius was suddenly not anticipated to win and that Real Madrid would boycott the event as a result. This was largely viewed as a petulant and entitled action, as no one from the club showed up.

The Spanish powerhouses told the national media that they felt devalued as a team and that Dani Carvajal, who finished fourth, should have won the Ballon d’Or if Vinicius wasn’t going to. Jude Bellingham of Madrid came in third, giving them three of the top four.

Despite winning the Men’s Club of the Year award, it’s a little difficult to believe the conspiracy theories about an anti-Madrid prejudice. A well-deserved Xabi Alonso, who guided Bayer Leverkusen to an undefeated domestic double and was one Europa League final away from an undefeated treble, was beaten by Carlo Ancelotti for the Men’s Coach of the Year award.

Real Madrid players have won the Ballon d’Or six times in the past eleven years, including four times for Cristiano Ronaldo and once each for Luka Modric and Benzema.