“Vinicius deserves the Ballon d’Or after a season like this – and not just for what he did this year, but also for his performances last year and his incredible touch on the ball. He’s a complete footballer,” Benzema said, according to Marca. Benzema’s support for Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior for the prestigious Ballon d’Or carries considerable weight. As one of the world’s elite strikers and a leading contender for the award itself, Benzema’s praise for the young Brazilian winger reflects just how impressive Vinicius’ development has been. At just 22, Vinicius has blossomed into one of the most electrifying and productive players in European football. His performances over the last two seasons have been a major driving force behind Real Madrid’s continued success, including their La Liga title and UEFA Champions League triumph in 2022.
Benzema highlighted Vinicius' overall game as a key factor in why he believes the young Brazilian deserves the Ballon d'Or. "It's not just this year, it's also last year. His touch, his ability to unbalance defenders, his goals - he has everything a top player needs," Benzema explained. Indeed, Vinicius' growth has been exceptional. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 22 goals and provided 20 assists in all competitions for Real Madrid. His dynamic dribbling, intelligent movement and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for opposing defences. This season, Vinicius has reached another level, already racking up 17 goals and 11 assists by the halfway point.
Beyond the raw statistics, Vinicius’ development has been equally impressive from a technical and tactical perspective. He has become increasingly adept at reading the game, making intelligent runs and linking up with world-class teammates like Benzema. His decision-making in the final third has improved significantly, allowing him to produce an end product consistently. Benzema, who is enjoying another sensational campaign himself, clearly recognises Vinicius’ immense talent and potential. The 34-year-old forward took the young Brazilian under his wing at Real Madrid, helping to guide his development and build his confidence. Their powerful partnership on the pitch has been a key factor in Real’s success in recent years. “Vinicius is a very complete player. He can dribble, shoot, pass. He has everything a modern footballer needs. I think he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year,” Benzema said emphatically.
The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually to the best player in world football, is one of the sport's most coveted individual accolades. Vinicius would become the third-youngest player to win the award if selected this year, behind Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. At just 22, Vinicius is already establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars in football. With Benzema's resounding support and his continued development, the stage is set for the Brazilian winger to potentially etch his name into Ballon d'Or history.
Let’s take a quick look back at Vinicius’ journey so far. He joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in July 2018, with the Spanish giants paying around €45 million to secure his signature. It turned out to be an incredible deal, as Vinicius has developed into one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His current contract with Real runs until the summer of 2027, giving the club plenty of time to continue building around this special player. In the previous season alone, Vinicius made 39 appearances, finding the net 24 times and providing 11 assists. Very impressive numbers indeed.
According to data from Transfermarkt, Vinicius’ current market value has climbed to €180 million. This shows just how much his stock has increased over the last couple of years. He has become an integral part of this Real Madrid team and a real difference maker on the biggest stages. It has been an incredible journey for Vinicius so far, and at just 22 years old, the best is surely yet to come. With Karim Benzema making his case for the Ballon d’Or, there really is no limit for this young Brazilian superstar.
When Real Madrid secured the signing of Vinicius in 2018, many considered it a bold long-term investment. At the time, he was just 18 years old and had yet to prove himself at the highest level. However, the Spanish giants clearly saw immense potential in the young winger, and their faith was more than rewarded. Vinicius first joined Real Madrid's senior team for the 2018-19 season, and while he showed flashes of talent, he struggled to be consistent and adapt to the demands of European football. But the club and its coaching staff remained patient, recognising that Vinicius needed time to develop and fully integrate into his new surroundings. The following season, 2019-20, Vinicius began to emerge as a real threat, making 38 appearances in all competitions and contributing 5 goals and 9 assists. His dribbling skills, directness and eye for goal began to shine through, hinting at the player he could become.
However, it was during the 2020-21 campaign that Vinicius really took his game to the next level. He became a regular in Zinedine Zidane's starting XI, making 49 appearances and registering 15 goals and 20 assists. His partnership with Karim Benzema in particular began to blossom, with the two forming a devastating attacking duo. The 2021-22 season saw Vinicius cement his status as one of the most exciting young players in world football. He was an integral part of Real Madrid's La Liga title-winning side, while also playing a crucial role in their run to the UEFA Champions League trophy. His 22 goals and 20 assists in all competitions were a clear indication of his growing maturity and influence.
