Vinicius Junior "will win the Ballon d'Or" one day, Karim Benzema claims ahead of Real Madrid's Spanish Super Cup final

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Karim Benzema had the chance to meet up with his former Real Madrid team-mates, who are in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the Super Cup final against Barcelona on Sunday. The Frenchman, who has 10 league goals for Al Ittihad this season, told Marca he had assured Vinicius Junior that he would win the Ballon d'Or "one day" after the Brazilian was pipped to the honour by Manchester City's Rodri last year.

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Karim Benzema told former Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior that he "will win the Ballon d’Or" one day.

The 15-time Champions League winners are in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup where they will face Barcelona in a blockbuster final on Sunday.

And with Benzema plying his trade in the country’s second largest city with Al Ittihad, the Frenchman took the opportunity to meet up with his old colleagues.

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Vinicius was dramatically pipped to the Ballon d’Or accolade by Manchester City’s Rodri last year, and Benzema reassured the Brazilian that his time would come.

"[I told Vinicius] to not take any notice," Benzema told Marca. "He shouldn't lower his intensity, because he's the best in the world, and one day he will win the Ballon d'Or."

"We talked more like friends. Strangely, but we talked more about life than football. It was nice. I watch the games and we talked a bit.

"With Vinicius, for example, we talked about the Ballon d'Or, but deep down it was a chat with everyone, about simple things, about life."

Benzema turned 37 in December but is yet to slow down in terms of output.

The Frenchman has 10 goals in 10 league appearances for his Saudi outfit, who sit at the top of the table ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.

The 2023 champions are yet to pick up silverware with Benzema at the club, though, and the forward rubbished reports of his retirement at the end of the season.

"I don't know whose words they are. Nonsense," Benzema said. "I don't have a limit, to be able to say that in two, three or four years, that I'll be leaving football. I feel good. My body is fine. I train well and we'll see how I feel each year.

"I want to keep winning. In my head, I want to win a trophy with Al Ittihad. It's difficult because the level has improved a lot and the teams are strong, better than before.

"We'll keep working, because we haven't won anything yet."

Benzema, himself a Ballon d'Or winner in 2022, added that a return to Madrid in some form was not out of the question.

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"Why not?" Benzema said. "I'm in Jeddah now, and I'm happy. The time will come to see how my life is, and for sure I'll be close to Madrid."

Benzema netted a brace in Al Ittihad’s most recent outing - a dramatic quarter-final victory over title-chasers Al Hilal in the King’s Cup - as well as converting in a tense penalty shoot-out.

"The team is doing well, my team-mates are doing well, the fans are enjoying themselves, the club is happy... everything is perfect," said Benzema.

"We are on the right path to achieve important things this season. There is still a long way to go. On the field, I give my all for the team and for the fans, and I hope they are satisfied with what I do."

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