Benzema's Curious Prediction About the Ballon D'or: K.o. to This Madridist

One of the footballers who has returned to the forefront of current white news is Karim Benzema. The former "9" of the Merengue left Santiago Bernabéu locker room in the summer of 2023, after a quick negotiation with Saudi Arabia. When everything seemed set for his renewal with the white club, his immediate departure as a free agent and his definitive incorporation into the Al-Ittihad squad was announced.

Since then, the executives led by Florentino Pérez haven't had many problems replacing him. The first choice was Joselu, who arrived on loan from Espanyol and quickly made the former French striker forgotten with very important goals and clear Real Madrid DNA. The departure of the Stuttgart-born striker, however, was compensated with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.

Since then, the Bondy striker has followed in his compatriot's footsteps wearing the "9" of the Madrid squad. Karim Benzema, fully settled in Saudi Arabia, hasn't hidden what his preference for the next Ballon d'Or is: Vinícius Jr.

This decision is surprising considering Benzema's own ties with both forwards. Initially, the former Merengue striker should place Kylian Mbappé ahead because they share nationality and played together, albeit for a brief period, in France.

Immutable Verdict

But the connection with Vinícius, in this case, seems to be the winner despite their bond not starting in the best way. The episode at Borussia Park during the 20/21 season is now far behind. That famous "he plays against us" was another of the many hurdles the São Gonçalo star has had to overcome on his journey to the top of world soccer.

Since then, their chemistry both on and off the field has grown, turning them into the most "lethal" duo in European football's elite. Their joint performance in the 21/22 season and the 22/23 campaign, the last in which they coincided, left data that demonstrates and supports his statement about the Ballon d'Or.

Karim Benzema prefers to place Vinícius ahead of Kylian Mbappé in a surprising response. The performance of Real Madrid's new "9" is improving with each passing match, but it still wouldn't be enough to match the achievements of the "7" verdeamarelo. At least from the perspective of a Karim Benzema who is a legend at the white club.

Furthermore, the South American striker is the one with the most chances in the Merengue squad to win this individual award given by UEFA and France Football. Kylian Mbappé, after coming very close two years ago, now has the opportunity to reclaim that place wearing white... and competing with who is now Karim Benzema's favorite for this important award.