Karim Benzema under fire on social media for ‘slandering’ Rodri over Ballon d'Or award

Legendary French footballer Karim Benzema has been chided by some individuals on social media for claiming that Manchester City midfielder Rodri did not deserve to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award over Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.

While commenting on the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, Benzema stated that even though Rodri plays very well in his position as a midfielder, he does not do exceptional things that will amaze the fans like Vinicius does.

In a tweet shared on X by ESPN FC, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner asserted that his former teammate Vinicius Jr. deserves the award more than Rodri.

“I have nothing against Rodri, who is a good player. But I’m on my couch, I watch television, and Rodri does not do things that make me say: ‘Pfff,’ and Vinicius has done that more than once,” Benzema said.

The comment was met with backlash on social media, with some football fans criticizing Benzema for underestimating the Spanish player despite winning titles with his club and national team.

Others expressed their disappointment in the Al-Ittihad player for making such a remark as a top sportsman who understands the game.

Rodri won several titles, including the English Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA EURO 2024, to clinch the coveted award.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. won the UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, and Spanish La Liga.

Read the comments below

I know he love vini more but you can’t tell me he didn’t say “wow” when Rodri ( a DM) scored this against Bayern with his weak foot.. pic.twitter.com/tsqBey6gZ6
— basheer… (@BasheerTK_) October 31, 2024

I’ll repeat this here. The wow does not make a player deserving of the award.

He did nothing for his country.
Rodri got to the ucl semi’s, won the Euros as the best player of the Tournament. All through last season, there is not midfielder that was more influential in games…
— 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧 (@CanusJordan10) October 31, 2024

I thought it’s all about performance not about “pffff” all it matters at the end of the day is the player and his performance and how it helps the team!
We see that Rodri is a key piece to city. Real could still win without Vini
— Parlay Hub (@ParlaysHub) October 31, 2024

How can footballers be so small-minded about what classes as an amazing footballer? Just because he doesn’t do 40 tricks a game that lead to nothing doesn’t mean he wasn’t a worthy winner
— Harry 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@Harry0AFC) October 31, 2024

Wasn't expecting this from Benzema. Thought he's top sportsman and professional . Vini Jr didn't do well in country. Period
— Sober Mind (@EvansKE24) October 31, 2024