Former German international Sami Khedira has made a revealing statement about Vinicius Junior in recent hours. Interviewed by Marca regarding the current events at his former club, Real Madrid, the 37-year-old shared his insights on what it will take for Vini, who recently fell short in the Ballon d’Or race, to achieve success.
For Madrid fans, Khedira is no stranger. Having risen to prominence at Stuttgart between 2006 and 2010, the former German midfielder arrived in the Spanish capital to wear the famous white shirt. During his five seasons at Real Madrid, Sami Khedira scored 9 goals in 161 matches. Retired since 2021, he now makes occasional media appearances to share his thoughts on the world of football. Recently, it was the pro-Madrid newspaper Marca that caught up with the German. Among the topics discussed was Vinicius Junior’s failure to secure the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Khedira’s frank remarks on Rodri and Vini
Weeks after what many Madrid fans see as a scandal, Sami Khedira shared his candid views on Rodri’s triumph over Vinicius Junior. Far from criticising the winner, the former Madrid player believes both finalists were deserving.
“The 2024 Ballon d’Or? (Laughs). What a great debate… I was a midfielder, and I love Rodri’s football. When you see how City performs without Rodri, you realise just how important he is. During the European Championship, I attended four matches in the stadium and saw how he orchestrates everything. He sets up all the players on the pitch and makes them play. It’s incredible,” commented Khedira before discussing Vinicius.
“Then there’s Vinicius, who also deserves it. Vini changes the game. When Madrid don’t know what to do, they give the ball to Vinicius, and that’s it – he solves the problem.” Still speaking to Marca, the former Juventus player then focused on what he considers an obstacle for the 24-year-old Madrid winger in his quest for the prestigious France Football trophy.
“He often looks angry”
For Khedira, the Brazilian international has a detrimental attitude. “But I must add something: his attitude at times… he often looks angry. Cristiano was a bit like that when he was younger, but he quickly changed. If Vinicius wants to become like Messi, Zidane, Cristiano, or Xavi, he needs to show more respect towards his opponents and referees. He has to change that. But as far as football is concerned, he is the number one, of course,” said the Stuttgart native.
“I’m not a big fan of individual awards, but it seems to me that Rodri and Vini were the best this year. If Vini changes a bit, becomes more of a gentleman and a leader, he’ll win three or four Ballon d’Ors,” he added to conclude the discussion on the Ballon d’Or. Khedira’s comments are clear but not universally agreed upon. As one France Football voter stated after the 64th edition of the event, players’ personalities should not be a factor in deciding the winner.
While it’s said that Vinicius Junior has a fiery personality and complains often, it cannot be denied that he also shows acts of fair play. Football is a game of emotions, and considering the racist insults the Madrid winger endures while proving match after match that he is one of the best – if not the best – players in the world, it may be time to rethink the criteria for judging Ballon d’Or contenders.
Leave a Reply