Lionel Messi may have secured a record eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023, but 2024 promises a fresh face on football’s most prestigious individual award. Among the frontrunners for this year’s prize are Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, Manchester City’s Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament, Rodri, and England’s young sensation, Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham, who enjoyed a stellar debut season at Real Madrid, is aiming to build on his success after winning the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21 last year. Despite a heroic performance for England in Euro 2024, where he scored a stunning overhead kick to rescue his team against Slovakia, his side fell short in the final against Spain.
Vinicius, on the other hand, bolstered his chances with a hat-trick in the Spanish Super Cup final and played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph.
Rodri, another strong contender, helped Manchester City secure a Premier League title and was named the best player at Euro 2024, further elevating his case for the Ballon d’Or.
England is well represented, with Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer joining Bellingham on the shortlist, marking the most England internationals ever nominated in a single year.
Notably, for the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo appear on the list, signaling a shift in the footballing landscape.
2024 Ballon d’Or Nominations:
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
- Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
- Rodri (Manchester City)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) among others.
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