End of an era! Premier League's age of the 'Big Six' is over

What's happened to Kane?! England captain on worst Bayern run

Hector Bellerin: Why pre-match rituals are so important 

Chelsea's wonderkid winger with 'the world at his feet'

UCL Power Rankings: Man City and Bayern in big trouble

Editors' Picks

Brilliant Bruno bails out Maguire

Goodman fuming over Walker's 'selfish' decision to join Milan

Bruno Fernandes talks up shock transfer

Man Utd legend identifies 'biggest problem' behind decline

Amorim makes plea to Garnacho as he addresses Chelsea interest

Ratcliffe faces 'significant' legal action

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Benzema caught up with Real Madrid players in Jeddah</li><li>Spoke with Vinicius Jr about Ballon d'Or snub</li><li>Real Madrid will face Barca in Supercopa de Espana final</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Karim Benzema reveals what he told 'friend' Vinicius Junior after Real Madrid superstar's shock Ballon d'Or disappointment

LaLiga

Real Valladolid

Real Madrid

<p>After a strong performance for Los Blancos in the 2023-24 season, Vinicius Jr was among the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024, however, it was Manchester City and Spain star Rodri who bagged the prestigious award. The Ballon d'Or snub left the winger disappointed, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/real-madrid-statement-ballon-dor-uefa-disrespect-vinicius-jr-rodri/blt6e99d5565362d1d2" target="_blank">who, along with the entire Real Madrid squad, decided to boycott the ceremony</a> in Paris.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Ex-Real Madrid star and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Benzema visited his former colleagues in their team hotel in Jeddah where he caught up with Vinicius Jr and spoke at length about his snub at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. The Spanish champions are in Saudi Arabia to compete in the Supercopa de Espana.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2025/01/10/benzema-vinicius-le-he-dicho-haga-caso-mejor-algun-dia-llevara-balon-oro.html" target="_blank"><em>Marca</em></a>, the French forward said: "We talked more like friends. Strangely, but we talked more about life than football. It was nice. I watch the games and we talked a bit. With Vinicius, for example, we talked about the Ballon d'Or, but deep down it was a chat with everyone, about simple things, about life."</p><p>When asked what he told the Brazil star, Benzema added: "Don't pay attention, don't lower your intensity because you are the best in the world and one day you will win the Ballon d'Or."</p>

WHAT KARIM BENZEMA SAID

<p>Carlo Ancelotti's side, who comfortably beat Mallorca in the semi-final, will next face rivals Barcelona in the final of Super de Espana on Sunday. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Karim Benzema reveals what he told 'friend' Vinicius Junior after Real Madrid superstar's shock Ballon d'Or disappointment | Goal.com Australia

Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema revealed what he told Vinicius Junior after his disappointment at Ballon d&apos;Or last month.

Next Match