Winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Rodri stirred debate within the football community, with critics arguing that Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was more deserving. Among those supporting Vinicius was Karim Benzema. However, Rodri, with humility, acknowledged the Frenchman’s viewpoint.
Benzema maintained that no player had outshone Vinicius over the past year, citing his crucial role in Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga triumphs.
Rodri, meanwhile, recognized Benzema’s right to his opinion. “It’s not offensive. It’s his opinion; he has the right to think that. I can’t expect to please everyone,” the Spaniard said to Diaro AS.
🗣 Rodri: “Benzema said he preferred to watch Vinicius than me? It’s not offensive. It’s his opinion, he has the right to think that. I can’t expect to please everyone. Karim Benzema was an incredible Ballon d’Or winner, and I’m in a good position to know that, because he made us… pic.twitter.com/gG3MYx1kFZ
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 9, 2024
Rodri, by all means, was a strong candidate for the award. He played a vital role in Manchester City’s Premier League-winning campaign and was instrumental in Spain’s Euros victory. With international tournaments carrying considerable weight, Rodri was chosen as the winner.
This may have cost Vinicius, as his underwhelming performance in the Copa America led many journalists, who vote for the award, to leave him out of their top choices.
In fact, journalists from Namibia, Finland, and El Salvador didn’t even place Vinicius in their top 10.
Reflecting on Benzema’s comments, Rodri expressed admiration for the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner. “Karim Benzema was an incredible Ballon d’Or winner, and I’m in a good position to know that because he made us suffer that year,” Rodri said.
