Karim Benzema believes former Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior "will win the Ballon d'Or" one day after missing out in 2024.

The Brazilian was the favourite to get his hands on the award after he helped Madrid to LaLiga and Champions League glory after a stellar campaign.

However, it was Manchester City's Rodri who won the Ballon d'Or after winning the Premier League and helping Spain to the Euro 2024 title. With the outcome reportedly leaked ahead of the ceremony, Vinicius, along with his team-mates, boycotted the event in October.

Vinicius, who did win FIFA's men's The Best award in December, scored 24 goals across all competitions in 2023-24, laying on a further nine assists in 40 appearances.

In LaLiga last term, only Jude Bellingham (25) had more goal involvements for Madrid than Vinicius (20), while the Brazilian also attempted (177) and completed (65) the most dribbles for his side. 

Benzema, who now plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, met up with his old team, who are playing the Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, and backed Vinicius to win the prestigious award in the future.

"[I told Vinicius] to not take any notice," Benzema told Marca, via TNT Sports. "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 won the Ballon d'Or in 2022, having also helped Madrid to a LaLiga and Champions League double.

Despite turning 37 last month, the Frenchman insisted he was not yet thinking about retirement.

"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."

Benzema also did not rule out a return to Madrid, where he spent 14 seasons and scored 354 goals in 648 games.

"Why not?" Benzema added. "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."