Karim Benzema reveals Vinicius Junior reaction following Ballon d'Or controversy

Vinicius Junior was sad after missing out on the – but will use his disappointment as fuel to win the award next year, according to .

was by midfielder on Monday night at the ceremony in Paris. The Brazilian was not in attendance, with deciding to on account of what they felt was disrespect from the organisers.

They felt that Vinicius, or Dani Carvajal should have been given the award after the club won the and last season. Former Real striker Benzema won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and spoke to Vinicius to console him.

“Last year, when Real Madrid were European champions, Vinicius was decisive in every game. So I don’t think there is anyone else who deserves it more than Vinicius,” he told El Chiringuito.

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“I have nothing against Rodri, he’s a good player, but I’m sitting on my couch watching TV and Rodri doesn’t do anything that makes you say ‘wow’. Vinicius has done it to me more than once, so it’s a bit of a shame because he deserved the Ballon d’Or.

“I hope he is mentally strong. Yesterday I was talking to Vinicius and he is strong enough to work and one day he will have it (the Ballon d’Or).

“I wrote him a message and he was sad. It’s normal. It’s a bit complicated when everyone sees you winning the Ballon d’Or and in the end, a day before or a few hours before, they tell you that you’re not going to win it. It’s very complicated. Vinicius is a good kid, he is going to work and one day he will win the Ballon d’Or."

Vinicius quickly reacted to the news, tweeting on Monday night: “I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready.” Explaining their decision not to attend, Real told : "If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d'Or-UEFA does not respect . And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected."

Carlo Ancelotti was not there to collect his award for manager of the year, while Real’s trophy for team of the year also didn’t get picked up. Vinicius finished second, Bellingham third and Carvajal fourth in the order, which is voted for by journalists from around the .

One of those journalists has explained why he overlooked Vinicius. Chile’s Danilo Diaz, said on ADN TV: "I left Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham out of my top three because they had very bad international tournaments… Vinicius lost the ball 17 times against Costa Rica."

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