Benzema Predicts Vinícius Júnior’s Ballon d’Or Triumph

Karim Benzema’s Bold Prediction: Vinícius Júnior’s Ballon d’Or Destiny

In the world of football, few accolades carry as much prestige as the Ballon d’Or. It’s a symbol of individual excellence, a testament to a player’s impact on the beautiful game. And when a player of Karim Benzema’s stature speaks about the future of this award, the footballing world takes notice. Benzema, a former Real Madrid star now plying his trade with Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, has made a bold prediction about his former teammate, Vinícius Júnior.

During a recent visit to Jeddah, where he watched Real Madrid’s commanding 3-0 victory over Mallorca in the Spanish Supercopa semifinal, Benzema shared his thoughts on Vinícius’s potential. “He shouldn’t lower his intensity, because he’s the best in the world, and one day he will win the Ballon d’Or,” Benzema told Marca.

Vinícius Júnior: A Rising Star

Vinícius Júnior’s journey to the top of the footballing world has been nothing short of spectacular. The Brazilian forward finished second in the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or standings, trailing only Rodri of Manchester City. Despite missing out on the top prize, Vinícius’s talent and potential are undeniable. Real Madrid even boycotted the Paris ceremony in protest, a testament to their belief in his abilities.

While the Ballon d’Or eluded him, Vinícius did not leave the awards season empty-handed. He clinched FIFA’s men’s The Best award last month, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s brightest talents.

Benzema’s Saudi Adventure

Meanwhile, Benzema’s own career has taken an intriguing turn. After leaving Madrid in 2023, he joined Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. His impact has been immediate, with Al Ittihad sitting atop the league standings with 36 points from 13 games. Benzema himself has been in fine form, netting 10 goals in 10 appearances.

Despite rumors of an impending retirement, Benzema remains focused and driven. “I don’t know whose words they are. Nonsense,” he said, dismissing the speculation. “I don’t have a limit, to be able to say that in two, three or four years, that I’ll be leaving football. I feel good. My body is fine. I train well and we’ll see how I feel each year.”

Future Aspirations and a Possible Return

In his first season in Saudi Arabia, Benzema faced challenges, with Al Ittihad finishing fifth in the league. However, the team’s form has improved significantly this campaign. “I want to keep winning,” Benzema stated. “In my head, I want to win a trophy with Al Ittihad. It’s difficult because the level has improved a lot and the teams are strong, better than before. We’ll keep working, because we haven’t won anything yet.”

As for the future, Benzema hasn’t ruled out a return to Real Madrid in some capacity. “Why not?” he mused. “I’m in Jeddah now, and I’m happy. The time will come to see how my life is, and for sure I’ll be close to Madrid.”

Key Takeaways

• Karim Benzema believes Vinícius Júnior will win the Ballon d’Or one day.
• Vinícius finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, behind Rodri.
• Benzema is thriving in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad.
• He dismisses retirement rumors and remains focused on winning trophies.
• A return to Real Madrid in the future is not off the table for Benzema.

As the footballing world watches, the future looks bright for both Benzema and Vinícius. With Benzema’s unwavering belief and Vinícius’s undeniable talent, the stage is set for more thrilling chapters in their respective careers.