Fans have hit out against Karim Benzema for his comments reacting to Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or over his former teammate Vinicius Jr.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or has caused a huge stir in the footballing world after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr refused to attend the ceremony along with the entire Real Madrid delegate.
It was revealed by Fabrizio Romano that Vini would not be in attendance as an appeared form of protest after the Brazilian found out he would not be crowned the winner.
Following Rodri’s crowning moment, the Madrid winger responded on social media by posting on X: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Since the awards, countless players have come out in defense of Vini, including the likes of Toni Kroos, Richarlison,
Aurelien Tchouameni, and Frank Ribery.
Vini’s former teammate Benzema has been the latest to make comment, as the Al-Ittihad striker revealed he has spoken to the 24-year-old since the ceremony.
“I spoke to Vini, he’s sad… it’s also normal. He deserved to win the Ballon d’Or,” Benzema told El Chiringuito TV.
However, what the Frenchman said next has raised eyebrows amongst fans online, as Benzema appeared to take a dig at Rodri for lacking the ‘wow’ factor.
“I’ve nothing against Rodri, good player… but I’m in my sofa watching TV and Rodri doesn’t do anything that makes you say: wow,” he added.
Many fans online have found these comments disrespectful, particularly considering the comments that have already been made against Rodri by fellow professionals.
One fan commented: “I never said wow when watching Benzema score tap in.”
A second commented: “Oh maybe he expected Rodri to play like Messi and Ronaldo when he’s actually a Dm lol.”
Another added: “That is a you problem Benzema because I watch Rodri and say wow everyday.”
Was Benzema disrespectful? Let us know below in our brand new comment section.
Top 30 Ballon d’Or rankings in full:
30.Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)
29.Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)
28.Alex Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)
27.Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
26.Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)
25.Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea)
24.William Saliba (France, Arsenal)
23.Ruben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)
22.Antonio Rudiger (Germany, Real Madrid)
21.Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)
20.Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey, Inter)
19.Martin Odegaard (Norway, Arsenal)
18.Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
17.Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)
16.Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)
15.Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)
14.Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)
13.Dani Olmo (Spain, RB Leipzig / Barcelona)
12.Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)
11.Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)
10.Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)
9.Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)
8.Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
7.Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter Milan)
6.Kylian Mbappe (France, PSG / Real Madrid)
5.Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
4.Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)
3.Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
2.Vinicius Jr (Brazil, Real Madrid)
1.Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)