The Ballon d’Or remains one of the most prestigious individual awards for football talents who showcase their talent across club and international platforms. Lionel Messi is the most successful in his career, with an ever-growing 8 Ballon d’Ors under his belt, winning the last one in October 2023, when he added a much-awaited World Cup title to his decorated career.
However, football is not just a game of life and death; it’s far beyond it, as passion is what sets the game apart from other sports. The world has moved from Messi and several other footballers from European clubs. The likes of unstoppable Haaland, brilliant Bellingham, and vibrant Vinicius are among the stars in contention for the prestigious award, while Rodri leads the way.
Top Contenders for the Ballon d’Or 2024
Nico Williams
One of the forerunners of Spain’s dream run in the Euro 2024, Williams has been in the limelight since the Euros. Playing the Copa del Rey and Euro for either Bilbao or Spain, he has produced 11 goals and 25 assists across all formats; he won both competitions and is one of the biggest sensations at the summer transfer window.
Phil Foden
Foden was earlier to the Euros placed 4th; however, now placed 9th, the Manchester City star boy underperformed with England in their Euro campaign. Foden has 28 goals and 12 assists, which keeps him in contention for the Ballon d’Or.
Harry Kane
Kane was one of the forerunners in the Ballon d’Or race, as the Spurs youth product who went on to be one of Europe’s finest targetsman is now placed at Bayern, where he seems unstoppable. Having netted the ball 52 times, Kane has as many goals, though he once again could not lead England to a trophy win.
Kylian Mbappe
A shared 52 goals alongside Kane, this was Mbappe’s last season with PSG, the end of a beautiful saga. However, everyone noted his huge move to La Liga giants Real Madrid, and he might land immense success with his idol’s long-served club.
Mbappe led PSG to another Ligue 1 title, though he failed to show France the way to be crowned European Champions, as he lost the Champions League semi-final and the Euros semi-final as well.
Toni Kroos
The legendary German marked his last appearance for the country as he bid goodbye to international football. The midfield maestro was considered the last of his kind, as he also bids adieu to Real Madrid, ending as the Champions League winner. Likely, he remains one of the most experienced and senior players on our list.
Lautaro Martinez
The Argentine came off the bench multiple times to give Argentina the lead they needed and also won the Golden Boot in the Copa America 2024. With his terrific form, he went on to secure the Serie A title with Inter Milan, though faced a Champions League exit. The Argentine forward remains the greatest currently in the position.
Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid’s rescue man, Carvajal, has been a real stunner for Madrid scoring in the Champions League finals and also being sporadic with Spain in their Euro campaign. One of the most unsung heroes of modern football, the right wingback is one of the most key players, flying from the back during attacks and pinning on the ball in defensive areas.
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Jude Bellingham
The English Golden Boy and Real Madrid’s star campaigner went on to be a keen competitor for the Ballon d’Or, with many having believed that Jude’s often rescues took England so far into the competition in Euros.
Bellingham, except for the loss at the Euros final, has had all success, as he won the La Liga as well as the Champions League title this time around. Bellingham will also be a contender for the Puskas Award for his stunning overhead bicycle kick for England against Slovakia.
Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian legendary left-winger has been a European club star performer, though he was not as good in the Copa for Brazil, which lost him his top spot among contenders for the Ballon d’Or. Though the football pundits have often stated Vinicius to be the finest choice to secure the Ballon d’Or.
He scored Madrid’s second Champions League final winner, and as for the Selecao, his quarterfinal exit against Uruguay ruled him the best to be given the Ballon d’Or.
Rodri
The Manchester City maestro is considered the best midfielder currently in the world. Rodri is considered one of the main reasons for Man City as well as Spain being the best pressers in the world, and his defensive work rate surprises all as he has often been referred to as an impermeable wall on the meadow.
Next talking of Rodri’s key passes and goal-making chances, he also has 12 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. Not many in the role are often picked as favorites for the Ballon d’Or, yet Rodri’s incomparable antics make him the favorite for the prestigious accolade.
