"Team achievements are a factor in the award criteria, and I think it should always be that way," Benito said on Cadena SER's El Larguero program on 23/9. "But ultimately, it's still a very subjective assessment by the voters."
 |
Dembele holds the 2025 Ballon d'Or at the awards ceremony at the Chatelet Theater, Paris, France, on the evening of 22/9/2025. Photo: Reuters |
Dembele holds the 2025 Ballon d'Or at the awards ceremony at the Chatelet Theater, Paris, France, on the evening of 22/9/2025. Photo: Reuters
According to Benito, the award remains subjective, dependent on the individual opinions of those casting votes. "When you look at each country's voting panel, you'll see most favor players from their own country or neighboring nations. Therefore, I don't really believe in the absolute fairness of this award," the former Real Madrid midfielder added.
Born in 1976, Benito was a promising midfielder for Real Madrid but had to retire early due to a serious knee injury. He played just over 20 matches for the first team and retired in his early twenties. After retiring, Benito transitioned to music, becoming the lead singer of the rock band Pignoise. He remained involved in football as a youth coach for Real Madrid and a commentator on Spanish television and radio.
Benito affirmed that Ousmane Dembele deserved the 2025 Ballon d'Or after an explosive season and historic treble with PSG. "Dembele had the best season of his career with PSG, a team that played superb football and dominated Europe from January to the end of the season, with impressive statistics," he emphasized.
However, Benito also pointed out other players equally deserving of the award. "Pedri plays like an angel. Lamine Yamal is more captivating in terms of style," the 47-year-old former midfielder listed. "For me, Mbappe is better than Dembele. In terms of potential, Mbappe and Yamal are the two best forwards in the world right now."
 |
Alvaro Benito during a Real Madrid match in 1996. Photo: El Mundo |
Alvaro Benito during a Real Madrid match in 1996. Photo: El Mundo
According to Vincent Garcia, editor-in-chief of France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d'Or, despite rumors of Yamal winning, Dembele secured a convincing victory with a landslide vote.
Following the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony, as per France Football's rules, in addition to the final ranking, the voting results from the panel of 100 international journalists will be published in a special edition of the magazine on Saturday, 27/9.
Hong Duy (according to Mundo Deportivo)
