Karim Benzema has his 2024 Ballon d’Or pick and it isn’t Jude Bellingham!

Karim Benzema described Vinicius Jr. as a complete player, stating that he has the ability to win a game single-handedly.

Karim Benzema has his 2024 Ballon d’Or pick and it isn’t Jude Bellingham!

Karim Benzema backed Vinicus Jr. to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, over Jude Bellingham. (via IMAGO)

Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema recently made a surprising revelation, backing Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. Moreover, the Frenchman overlooked Jude Bellingham, who also plays for Real Madrid in the process.

Real Madrid starlets Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham are leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or this year, following a standout season with Los Blancos. The team won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, with both players making significant contributions. The Brazilian forward ended the season with 24 goals and 11 assists, while the 21-year-old Englishman recorded 36 goal contributions.

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Although Bellingham is being tipped to win the award following an impressive Euro 2024 display with England, Karim Benzema thinks otherwise. The Real Madrid legend, who won the award in 2021, backed Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d’Or for his exceptional performances. Moreover, he called Vinicius a complete footballer capable of leading his team to victory and highlighted his consistent brilliance and reliability, having played alongside him previously.

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I'm going to say Vini because he deserves it for his season and not just for what he's done this year, but also for what he's done last year. He's a kid, a complete footballer.
Karim Benzema on the 2024 Ballon d’Or (via MARCA)

In addition to Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, several other players are also in contention for the award. Manchester City’s Rodri and Inter Milan’s captain Lautaro Martinez are potential candidates, as are Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, Kylian Mbappe, and Lamine Yamal.

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Karim Benzema opens up about his decision to depart Real Madrid, also speaks about its current position

Former Real Madrid No.9 Karim Benzema, in a recent interview with Marca, discussed his decision to leave the club last summer and whether he had any regrets. The 36-year-old also talked about Real Madrid’s new signing and fellow Frenchman, Kylian Mbappe.

Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe
Karim Benzema spoke about Real Madrid’s new signing Kylian Mbappe. (via IMAGO)

The Al-Ittihad player reflected on his decision to leave the club. He stated that he believes it was the right decision at the time and looks back fondly on his time at the Bernabeau. Moreover, he praised the club’s impressive performance last season and believes they remain the strongest team. He added that the club will always hold a special place in his heart.

Some come and others go. It's like that and it will always happen. It was the right moment. Of course, I look back and feel happy.
Karim Benzema on leaving Real Madrid in 2023 (via MARCA)

Regarding his successor at the club, Kylian Mbappe, the Benzema praised the young forward’s talent and revealed that he had anticipated Mbappe would eventually join Real Madrid.

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