The 2024 Ballon d’Or is simply across the nook, marking an exhilarating time for soccer followers as the game’s prime expertise vies for its most coveted particular person honour. This yr’s race is notably broad open due to the absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who’ve lengthy dominated the award.
Messi, with eight wins, and Ronaldo, with 5, are lacking from the shortlist this yr, paving the best way for a brand new winner to emerge.
Right here’s every little thing you need to know about this yr’s occasion:
The winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or might be introduced on Monday, October twenty eighth, throughout a ceremony on the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This would be the 68th version of the award, overseen by France Soccer and co-organised with UEFA this yr.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 19:00 GMT and might be broadcast stay, permitting followers worldwide to tune in and expertise the joy.
High Contenders
The competitors for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is fierce. Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian ahead who performed a vital position in Actual Madrid’s latest Champions League victory, is the present favorite to win the lads’s award. His stellar efficiency final season has positioned him as a prime contender.
Rodri, celebrated for his integral position in Manchester Metropolis’s Premier League win and his standout efficiency in Spain’s Euro 2024 marketing campaign, can be a robust candidate. He’s joined by Jude Bellingham from Actual Madrid, who has impressed constantly in midfield.
Dani Carvajal, though thought of an extended shot, is recognised for his position in a number of title wins, together with the Champions League, La Liga, and Euro 2024, which secured his nomination.
Ballon d’Or Féminin 2024:
Within the ladies’s class, Aitana Bonmatí is predicted to win her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin. The Barcelona midfielder has been excellent, each for her membership and on the worldwide stage. Competing carefully are her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon.
Kopa Trophy
The Kopa Trophy, recognizing the most effective under-21 participant, is anticipated to go to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal after his exceptional contributions to Spain’s European Championship victory. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United additionally make the shortlist, however Yamal is the favorite.
Yashin Trophy
The Yashin Trophy, which honours the highest goalkeeper, has Emiliano Martínez as a frontrunner. The Aston Villa goalkeeper is aiming for an additional win following his influential performances within the Champions League and Argentina’s Copa América success this summer time. Gianluigi Donnarumma is one other key nominee, although Alisson and Thibaut Courtois have been left off the shortlist this yr.
Viewing the Ceremony
Followers can watch the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony stay on L’Équipe’s YouTube channel, which is able to stream the occasion totally free, permitting viewers from across the globe to be part of within the pleasure.