Ballon d’Or 2024 Updates: A New Era Begins as Messi and Ronaldo Step Aside
Greatness in football has been closely associated with the coveted Ballon d’Or, which has been given out by France Football since 1956. This treasured trophy has been lifted by legends including George Best, Zinedine Zidane, and Johan Cruyff. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two best football talents, ruled the prize for more than ten years. Between 2008 and 2023, they shared the trophy thirteen times.
But a new era has begun with the 2024 Ballon d’Or, as neither Messi nor Ronaldo are included for the first time since 2003. Who will therefore take Messi’s place as the new recipient of football’s most important individual award? The rivalry is more intense than ever as a new generation of football superstars emerges.
The Next Ballon d’Or Winner: Who Will Take the Crown?
With the 2024 Ballon d’Or presentation scheduled for October 28 at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris, all eyes will be on the players who have excelled in the previous campaign. Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid are the front-runners.
What, nevertheless, makes these athletes the front-runners for the Ballon d’Or in 2024? Let’s dissect it.
Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe: A New Rivalry in the Making
Erling Haaland of Manchester City has been just amazing. In the 2023–24 season, Haaland set a new record with 38 goals, solidifying his status as one of the Premier League’s best players. In addition to becoming the youngest player in UEFA Champions League history with 40 goals, his goal-scoring prowess helped City win the Premier League.
Despite having a fantastic season, Haaland may not win the Golden Ball this year due to his underwhelming performance in crucial games, such Manchester City’s loss to Real Madrid.
Conversely, Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) had several outstanding performances during the Champions League, but his team lost in the quarterfinals. Mbappe was a vital player for France at the UEFA Euro, helping them get to the semifinals, even though PSG was unable to make it to the final.
Why Vinicius Jr. is Leading the Ballon d’Or Race
Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid has become one of the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or in 2024. Vinicius recovered his form last season after a sluggish start, helping Real Madrid win both the La Liga title and the Champions League for the first time ever. His remarkable accomplishments, which included a hat-trick in the Spanish Super Cup and the game-winning goal in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, cemented his reputation as a worldwide football legend.
In addition to carrying Real Madrid on his back throughout the 2023–24 season, Vinicius demonstrated his importance for Brazil on the international arena with 26 goals and 12 assists. Even though Selecao was eliminated early from the Copa America, Vinicius’s particular talent was evident.
Rodri: The Underrated Contender for the Ballon d’Or
Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, is still underappreciated despite having a stellar 2023–24 season. Rodri was a vital member of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning team and was essential to City’s victory. His impact was evident as City dropped all three of their Premier League games while he was suspended. In the UEFA Euro 2024 final, Rodri led Spain to victory and was voted Player of the Tournament, demonstrating his talent on the international front as well.
Despite frequently being eclipsed by his goal-scoring colleague Haaland, Rodri’s steady play in the middle of the field makes him a strong contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Jude Bellingham: A Rising Star Destined for Glory
Jude Bellingham, the master of Real Madrid’s midfield, is another strong candidate for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Englishman made an instant impression after making a transfer transfer record-breaking move to Los Blancos. Bellingham scored 27 goals for Real Madrid and England, making his contributions crucial in every campaign. He even helped Madrid defeat Barcelona in La Liga and played a crucial role in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, his old team.
Bellingham’s ascent to fame has captured the attention of observers and supporters alike, and his achievements have solidified his place in the running for the Ballon d’Or, particularly following his impressive performance in the UEFA Euro final.
Conclusion: A New Golden Generation Emerges
The football community is prepared to install a new monarch as the 2024 Ballon d’Or draws near. This year’s winner, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Erling Haaland, or Vinicius Jr., is proof of the extraordinary talent of the next wave of football superstars. With Messi and Ronaldo retiring, a new generation of Ballon d’Or winners is about to begin. Who will win the most important individual award in football this time? In Paris on October 28th, we will find out.