“That’s the most important thing” - Karim Benzema highlights what Vinicius Jr must do now to win Ballon d’Or after missing out to Rodri in 2024

Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema believes Vinicius Jr must continue winning titles if he wants to win the Ballon d'Or. The Brazilian winger displayed extraordinary form last season and seemed in pole position to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

He played a crucial role in Real Madrid's LaLiga and Champions League double during the 2023-24 campaign. The 24-year-old was the club's top goalscorer across competitions, scoring 25 goals and providing 12 assists in 40 appearances.

However, he lost the coveted prize to Manchester City star Rodri, a result that sparked controversy in the footballing world. The midfielder was a marquee player for Pep Guardiola's side, who lifted the Premier League last season. He went on to win the 2024 European Championships with Spain as well.

Benzema has now offered some advice to Vinicius on how to win the first Ballon d'Or of his career. The Frenchman, who won four LaLiga and five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, said (via Madrid Xtra on X):

"He must win titles with Real Madrid, that's the most important thing, then he's going to win the Ballon d'Or because he's number one."

Vinicius has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 23 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid this season. Meanwhile, Rodri is nursing a knee injury he picked up against Arsenal in September.

He was initially ruled out for the season but the Spaniard hopes to return before the campaign ends.

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Vinicius should've won 2024 Ballon d'Or; Rodri responds

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Vinicius Junior deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or ahead of Rodri. The Portuguese superstar feels it was unfair for the Real Madrid star after his excellent 2023-24 season.

While acknowledging Rodri's merits, Ronaldo opined that Vinicius' Champions League triumph should've been the deciding factor. Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, where he won the Best Middle Eastern Player for 2024, Ronaldo said (via Eurosport):

"In my opinion, he deserved to win the Ballon d'Or. It was unfair, I say it here in front of everybody. They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but I think they should have given it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League."

Rodri hit back at the Portuguese superstar, saying he was surprised by his comments. The Manchester City midfielder drew attention to how the Ballon d'Or is awarded and said:

"Well, it's a surprise, honestly, because he (Cristiano Ronaldo) knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen. This year, the journalists who voted decided I should win it. These same journalists probably voted for him to win it at some point, and I imagine he agreed with them then."

Rodri has made 260 appearances for Manchester City, recording 26 goals and providing 30 assists. He has won four Premier Leagues, the Champions League, and the FA Cup, amongst other trophies at the Etihad.