The Ballon d’Or is without doubt one of the most prestigious awards in soccer, celebrating one of the best participant on the planet 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. Nevertheless, as we strategy the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, it appears these legends could step apart to make means for a brand new technology of expertise. Listed below are 5 gamers who’ve a robust probability of successful the award this yr.
Vinicius Jr. (Actual Madrid)
Vinicius Jr. is presently the fan favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, receiving a staggering 64.6% of the votes in a latest ballot performed 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 staff safe trophies like La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Tremendous Cup. The Brazilian winger’s velocity, talent, and skill to alter the sport make him a prime contender for the award.
Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Following carefully behind Vinicius is Lautaro Martinez, who obtained 8.2% of the votes. The Inter Milan striker had an exceptional 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 position for Argentina, scoring 8 objectives in 2024, together with a standout efficiency within the Copa America. Martinez was awarded the Golden Boot for the event, cementing his standing as probably the greatest forwards on the planet.
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 right away affect, scoring 19 objectives in La Liga and contributing 23 objectives throughout all competitions. His distinctive performances didn’t go unnoticed, as he was acknowledged because 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 because the staff 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 an important position 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 staff 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 highest 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 objective and offered 4 assists, incomes the Younger Participant of the Match award. Notably, he made historical past by changing into the youngest scorer within the event’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, on 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 yr’s ceremony guarantees to be an thrilling one as soccer followers all over the world eagerly await the announcement of the subsequent Ballon d’Or winner.