The Ballon d’Or 2024 promises to be an electrifying event, with a fresh wave of nominees vying for football’s most prestigious individual honor. For the first time in over two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will feature on the shortlist, signaling a new era of football talent.
The nominees
The 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or reflect some of the brightest talents in global football. The list includes standout players from major European clubs who dominated both domestically and internationally. Among the favorites, two Real Madrid stars stand out: Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. Both played pivotal roles in Real Madrid’s double triumph of La Liga and the Champions League, each contributing over 20 goals for their team.
Other notable names include Erling Haaland, who, despite a “quiet” season by his own high standards, still won the Premier League Golden Boot. He will be looking to improve on his 2023 form when he narrowly missed out on the top prize. Harry Kane, who had an impressive first season at Bayern Munich, leads the Bundesliga and Champions League scoring charts but lacks the crucial silverware to bolster his bid. Phil Foden and Florian Wirtz, both influential in their clubs’ success, round off the group of potential dark horses.
The full list of nominees includes a host of players who have excelled in various positions, from defenders like Rúben Dias of Manchester City to midfield maestros like Rodri, as well as breakout stars like Lamine Yamal of Barcelona and Nico Williams from Athletic Club
Favorites to win
Heading into the final weeks before the announcement, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior appear to be the frontrunners. Bellingham, still only 21, has been a sensation since joining Real Madrid. His ability to control the midfield while adding goals to his game has made him the face of a new generation of footballers. Despite falling short in the Euro 2024 final with England, Bellingham’s domestic achievements are hard to overlook.
Vinícius Júnior, on the other hand, was Real Madrid’s standout performer in the crucial stages of the Champions League, especially in the knockout rounds. His pace, skill, and eye for goal make him a potent threat, and his ability to perform under pressure in decisive games might give him the edge over Bellingham.
Erling Haaland could still have a chance to surprise. Despite Manchester City’s less spectacular season compared to their historic treble in 2023, Haaland’s individual goal-scoring exploits cannot be ignored. Meanwhile, Harry Kane led both the Bundesliga and Champions League scoring charts, but Bayern Munich’s trophy-less season could weaken his case
When and where will the Gala take place?
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, a prestigious venue that has hosted the event for many years. The gala is scheduled for October 30, 2024, and it will be a star-studded night where the footballing world gathers to celebrate the sport’s best. This glamorous event will also feature the presentation of the Ballon d’Or Féminin, the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, and the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper.
As the race heats up, all eyes will be on Paris to see whether Bellingham, Vinícius, or another star will rise to claim football’s top individual prize. Whatever the outcome, this year’s Ballon d’Or is guaranteed to mark a significant shift in the football landscape, as the new generation seeks to step out from the shadows of Messi and Ronaldo.
