Ballon d’Or: Benzema picks Real Madrid star as ‘Best Candidate’ to win award

Former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema has picked Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

The Frenchman believes the Brazilian international is the best candidate for the individual prize this year.

Vinicius enjoyed a tremendous 2023–24 season with Real Madrid.

He scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 games across competitions.

Vinicius, who played alongside Benzema at Madrid, also won the La Liga and the Champions League with the Los Blancos.

“Vinicius can win you a match alone, of course, with the help of his teammates, but he is very good when Real Madrid needs him and that is why I think he deserves the Ballon d’Or,” Benzema said (via Mardid Xtra on X).

“He is always there, so he is the best candidate for me.”