The Ballon d’Or is certainly one of the most prestigious awards in soccer, celebrating the greatest participant in the world annually. Since its inception in 1956, the award has been a coveted prize for footballers in every single place.
In recent times, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award, successful it 13 occasions between them. Nonetheless, as we method the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, it appears these legends could step apart to make means for a brand new era of expertise. Listed below are 5 gamers who’ve a powerful probability of successful the award this 12 months.
Vinicius Jr. (Actual Madrid)
Vinicius Jr. is at the moment the fan favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, receiving a staggering 64.6% of the votes in a latest ballot carried out on the award’s official web site. Final season, Vinicius shone brightly for Actual Madrid, scoring 15 objectives in 26 La Liga video games and ending the season with 24 objectives throughout all competitions. His unimaginable performances had been essential to Actual Madrid’s success, serving to the workforce safe trophies like La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Tremendous Cup. The Brazilian winger’s pace, ability, and skill to vary the recreation make him a prime contender for the award.
Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Following intently behind Vinicius is Lautaro Martinez, who obtained 8.2% of the votes. The Inter Milan striker had an outstanding season, netting 27 objectives in 44 matches, with 24 of these coming in Serie A. His contributions helped Inter Milan clinch the Serie A title, and he additionally performed a key function for Argentina, scoring 8 objectives in 2024, together with a standout efficiency in the Copa America. Martinez was awarded the Golden Boot for the match, cementing his standing as certainly one of the greatest forwards in the world.
(*5*)Jude Bellingham (Actual Madrid)
One other thrilling younger expertise is Jude Bellingham, who shares the identical 8.2% of the votes as Martinez. Since becoming a member of Actual Madrid, Bellingham has made a direct impression, scoring 19 objectives in La Liga and contributing 23 objectives throughout all competitions. His distinctive performances didn’t go unnoticed, as he was acknowledged as the La Liga Participant of the Season and made the Workforce of the Season in each La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Moreover, Bellingham had a strong outing with England in Euro 2024, scoring twice as the workforce completed as runners-up to Spain.
Rodri (Manchester Metropolis)
Rodri, the midfield powerhouse for Manchester Metropolis, is available in fourth with 6.6% of the votes. He performed a significant function in serving to Metropolis safe the Premier League title, contributing with 8 objectives all through the season. Rodri’s affect prolonged to the Spanish nationwide workforce as properly, the place he was pivotal of their Euro 2024 triumph. His excellent efficiency earned him the Participant of the Match award, highlighting his significance on the worldwide stage.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Rounding out the prime 5 is Lamine Yamal, the thrilling younger expertise from Barcelona, who garnered 4.6% of the votes. Yamal made headlines final season with 50 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 7 objectives. He was instrumental in Spain’s success at Euro 2024, the place he scored a aim and supplied 4 assists, incomes the Younger Participant of the Match award. Notably, he made historical past by turning into the youngest scorer in the match’s historical past at simply 16 years and 362 days.
Ballon d’Or Award Ceremony Particulars
The 68th Ballon d’Or ceremony will happen on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France. The occasion is about to start at 7 p.m. UK time. With so many gifted gamers vying for the award, this 12 months’s ceremony guarantees to be an thrilling one as soccer followers round the world eagerly await the announcement of the subsequent Ballon d’Or winner.