Vinicius Jr backs Karim Benzema for Ballon d’Or after Man City brace

• Vinicius Jr has backed Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema for the 2022 Ballon d’Or 
• Vinicius backed Benzema after yet another sensational Champions League performance against Manchester City
• Benzema scored twice against Man City in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has backed teammate Karim Benzema to win the 2022 Ballon d’Or following another remarkable UEFA Champions League performance.

Benzema was once again on fine form for Real Madrid in their 4-3 defeat to Man City in the first leg of the pair’s semi-final clash, scoring a wonderful volley in the first half and an audacious Panenka penalty in the second.

Speaking after the game – in which he also netted a brilliant goal – Vinicius stated that he hopes Benzema wins the Ballon d’Or this year.

“There are no words that can describe how Benzema plays. He deserves the Ballon d’Or,” he said.

“I hope my brother Benzema ends up winning La Liga, Champions League and Ballon d’Or.”

Real Madrid forward pair Karim Benzema and Vinicius jR (with ball) during the Manchester City clash in the Champions League on Tuesday, April 26 2022. | PHOTO: Getty Images |

The Brazilian international also gave an insight into the game itself, stating that he was not happy with the result and that Los Blancos need to improve ‘in every area’ ahead of next week’s second leg.

“I can’t and I will never be happy with a defeat. We have to improve in every area for the 2nd leg,” he added.

“The Bernabeu fans played a huge role in our previous comebacks and the next leg won’t be any different. Against City we have to suffer and remain calm”.

Benzema has been on form in the Champions League this season, scoring a record nine goals between the Quater-finals and the first leg of the semi-finals, which includes three against PSG in the quarter-finals, four against Chelsea in the quarters and the two he netted on Tuesday night against Manchester City.