Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has confidently stated that his former teammate Vinicius Junior will win his first Ballon d’Or after a successful season with Real Madrid.

In an exclusive interview with MARCA, Benzema shared interesting insights about his former club, the upcoming season, and particularly about Vinicius Jr., whom he believes will win the Ballon d’Or 2024.

Benzema, who now plays for Al Ittihad, still holds a deep affection for Real Madrid. He stated, “Real Madrid has always been the best team in the world. Players come and go, but Real Madrid will always be at the top, at the very top. They are the best team and will continue to prove it.”

When asked about Real Madrid’s successful season, Benzema expressed his joy and pride. He described it as a spectacular season, showcasing the team’s strength and attractive style of play.

Benzema also shared his feelings about watching the final at Wembley: “I was very happy to see Real Madrid win. This is my team; I will always support Real Madrid and my teammates.”

The highlight of the interview came when Benzema was asked about the next Ballon d’Or candidate. Without hesitation, he named Vinicius Jr.: “Ballon d’Or? I will say Vini’s name because he deserves it for the past season, and not just because of what he did this year, but also because of his excellent performance last season with his football and everything he does with the ball. He is like a younger brother to me and also a fantastic footballer.”

Benzema values Vinicius’ talent highly and believes the Brazilian player can win games on his own, although he still needs support from his teammates.

He emphasized, “He is very good when Real Madrid needs him, and that’s why I think he deserves this recognition. Vinicius is always present and shines when needed. Because of all these reasons, Vinicius is my favorite in the Ballon d’Or race.”

Notably, Benzema and Vinicius formed a formidable partnership in Real Madrid’s attack. During the 2021/22 season, when Real Madrid won their 14th Champions League title, the duo scored a combined total of 66 goals and provided 30 assists across all competitions. The combination of Benzema’s experience and refined technique with Vinicius’ speed and enthusiasm created a versatile and unpredictable attack, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga victories that season.

However, the Ballon d’Or race this year is not solely about Vinicius. Before the EURO and Copa America 2024, Vinicius was the leading candidate with a 61% chance, far ahead of competitors like Jude Bellingham (23%), Kylian Mbappe (7%), Toni Kroos (6%), and Harry Kane (3%). But after the conclusion of these major tournaments, the situation has changed significantly.

Rodri has surged with a 33% chance of winning, becoming a strong rival to Vinicius (37%). Vinicius’ chances have diminished following Brazil’s quarter-final exit in the Copa America 2024 against Uruguay. Meanwhile, Bellingham has dropped to third place with a 17% chance.

Aside from Vinicius, Benzema also mentioned Kylian Mbappé, who recently joined Real Madrid and inherited the number 9 shirt that Benzema once wore. The 36-year-old striker asserted, “Sooner or later, he would play for Real Madrid. I always thought so, and it has come true. Mbappé is a fantastic player.”

When asked about Real Madrid’s ability to maintain their top form after a successful season, Benzema was very confident: “Of course. Really. I don’t see any team that can be stronger than Real Madrid. This team has everything: players, coach, and president.”