The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees have been revealed, sparking much debate among football fans about who deserves to win the most prestigious individual award in the sport. With 30 of the best-performing players in the 2023/24 season in the running, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top when the winner is announced on October 28 in Paris.
From Vinicius Junior to Jude Bellingham, the list features some of the biggest names in football, as well as a few surprises. To help make sense of the nominees, we’ve ranked the top ten players who have the best chance of winning the Ballon d’Or this year. Let’s dive into the rankings and discuss why each player deserves their spot.
10. Florian Wirtz: The Bundesliga Star
Florian Wirtz had a standout season for Bayer Leverkusen, leading them to a remarkable Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. With 22 goal contributions, including a crucial hat-trick in the title-clinching match against Hoffenheim, Wirtz has firmly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in Europe.
His ability to control games from midfield and provide key moments of brilliance makes him a deserving nominee for the Ballon d’Or. Although he might not be the favourite to win, his accomplishments in the 2023/24 season cannot be overlooked.
9. Nico Williams: Spain’s Euro 2024 Hero
Nico Williams was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, most notably delivering a Player of the Match performance in the final against England. His winning goal secured Spain’s European Championship title and capped off a fantastic season for the winger.
While a move to Barcelona might not have materialised, his Euro 2024 heroics were enough to earn him a well-deserved Ballon d’Or nomination. Williams is one of Spain’s brightest stars and continues to impress on the international stage.
8. Toni Kroos: A Legendary Final Bow
Even in the final year of his illustrious career, Toni Kroos was one of the best midfielders in world football. The German maestro was central to Real Madrid’s success, helping them secure both the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League.
Kroos’ metronomic passing and calm presence in midfield will be sorely missed at the Santiago Bernabeu. While he may have retired, his contributions in 2023/24 ensured that he left the game on top, and a Ballon d’Or nomination is the perfect send-off for one of the greatest players of his generation.
7. Dani Carvajal: Trophy-Laden Year
At 32, Dani Carvajal finally played in his first European Championship, and he made the most of it by winning the title with Spain. His 2023/24 season was nothing short of remarkable, adding Euro 2024 to his La Liga and Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid.
Carvajal even scored in the Champions League final, solidifying his place as one of the world’s top right-backs. His experience and winning mentality have been crucial for both club and country, and his Ballon d’Or nomination is well-earned.
6. Phil Foden: Manchester City’s Maestro
Phil Foden might not have had the best Euro 2024, but his performances for Manchester City were exceptional. Foden was the driving force behind City’s Premier League title win and was duly recognised with a slew of individual awards, including the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season.
Foden’s creativity, vision, and knack for scoring crucial goals made him a standout performer throughout the season. He remains one of the best young players in the world and is certainly in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.
5. Kylian Mbappe: The Goal Machine
Kylian Mbappe continues to prove why he’s one of the most talented footballers on the planet. Scoring an incredible 44 goals in 48 games during the 2023/24 season, Mbappe was once again the focal point of Paris Saint-Germain’s attack.
Despite his individual brilliance, Mbappe didn’t quite reach the same heights in terms of silverware, which may affect his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or this year. Nevertheless, his goalscoring exploits cannot be ignored, and he remains a top contender.
4. Lamine Yamal: The Wonderkid
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has already cemented himself as one of the biggest talents in football. His performances for Spain at Euro 2024 were pivotal in their success, and his rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric.
Yamal’s ability to change games with his dribbling and attacking prowess has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest players. While it might be too early for him to win the Ballon d’Or, he will surely be a contender for years to come.
3. Jude Bellingham: The Midfield Dynamo
For much of the 2023/24 season, Jude Bellingham looked like the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or. His impressive goalscoring from midfield, combined with his leadership on the pitch, made him a standout performer for both Borussia Dortmund and England.
Although his form dipped slightly towards the end of the season, Bellingham’s 23 goals and overall impact on the game cannot be understated. He remains one of the brightest young stars in world football and is a strong candidate for the award.
2. Rodri: The Trophy Magnet
Few players in the world can claim to have the impact that Rodri has on winning trophies. Whether it’s for Manchester City or the Spain national team, Rodri’s presence in midfield guarantees success.
His performances were instrumental in City’s Premier League win and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. A tireless worker with an incredible football IQ, Rodri is one of the favourites to lift the Ballon d’Or this year.
1. Vinicius Junior: The Big-Game Player
Vinicius Junior was the standout player of the 2023/24 season, and his performances in the Champions League were particularly memorable. Scoring three crucial goals in the semi-finals and final, Vinicius played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s 15th European triumph.
His ability to rise to the occasion in big games sets him apart from other nominees, and that’s why many believe Vinicius should win the 2024 Ballon d’Or. He was the best player when it mattered most, and that makes him our top pick.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d’Or race is one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a mix of established stars and rising talents all vying for the coveted prize. While Vinicius Junior seems to have the edge, players like Rodri and Jude Bellingham are not far behind. The winner will be revealed on October 28, and it’s sure to be a night to remember in Paris.
Source: 90min
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