Lionel Messi winning his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 was less of a surprise and more of a “yeah, we all saw that coming.”
The Argentine had led his country to World Cup glory in Qatar, effectively cementing his status as the greatest footballer of all time.
The streets of Rosario buzzed with joy, while Messi fans around the world clinked glasses to toast their hero.
But now, as we march towards the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, the football world is bracing itself for a new name to claim the prestigious award. Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo – the two pillars of football’s last two decades – are in contention this time around.
It feels like a fresh beginning
While Messi and Ronaldo’s absence might feel like the end of an era, it also opens the door for a new superstar to claim the award.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or race is loaded with deserving candidates, players whose incredible performances in the 2023/24 season demand attention.
We all know goals, assists, clean sheets and major trophies all play a part in who gets crowned, the Ballon d’Or is also famously a bit of a popularity contest. This means that while pure footballing merit matters, the aura, influence, and media narrative around a player can tip the scales.
Let’s break down the Top 5 contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, based on their goals, assists, clean sheets (for defensive-minded players), trophies, big moments, and general form.
1. Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri’s name may not leap off the page like some of the attackers on this list, but his impact on Manchester City and Spain in 2023/24 was impactful.
Defensive midfielders often get overlooked for awards like the Ballon d’Or, but in Rodri’s case, his sheer consistency, importance in big moments, and silverware collection make him a legitimate contender.
Coming off the back of an incredible treble-winning season with City in 2022/23, where he was arguably their MVP, Rodri didn’t take his foot off the gas.
He followed it up with another masterclass in 2023/24, dominating the midfield battles in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League while adding another Premier League title to his name.
It wasn’t just club success that bolstered his claim to the Ballon d’Or. His performances for Spain at Euro 2024 were nothing short of spectacular.
Rodri formed a key part of Spain’s midfield, often orchestrating the flow of play and controlling games with his unmatched positional intelligence.
His efforts culminated in Spain lifting the Euro 2024 trophy, with Rodri deservedly earning the Player of the Tournament award.
From precise passing to crunching tackles, Rodri’s game had it all in 2023/24.
He’s the metronome that keeps Pep Guardiola’s City ticking, and if there was ever a time for a holding midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or, Rodri’s candidacy should be given serious consideration.
SEE ALSO | Top 6 Premier League Players to Win the Ballon d’Or
2. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
When Vinicius Junior hits top gear, it’s almost like watching a cheetah in full sprint. His ability to move past defenders, twist them inside out, and deliver match-winning contributions has reached new heights in the 2023/24 season.
The Brazilian winger had already cemented his status as one of the brightest talents in world football, but this season, he took it to a whole new level.
While Jude Bellingham’s arrival at Real Madrid grabbed a lot of headlines, it was Vinicius who kept reminding everyone that he’s still the crown jewel of Los Blancos.
His performances in the Champions League were jaw-dropping. He was Madrid’s talisman in the knockout stages terrorizing defenses with his pace, dribbling, and precise finishing.
His brace against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals was a display of pure class, and his crowning moment came when he netted the decisive goal in the final, securing yet another Champions League title for Madrid.
On the local scene, he continued to be a nightmare for La Liga defenders. His contributions in front of goals both in terms of scoring and creating chances for his teammates kept Madrid in the hunt for major honors.
Could 2024 be his year? With his ability to deliver in big moments and his ever-growing influence at Madrid, it’s hard to argue against his case.
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
For a player who just turned 21, Bellingham is already playing like a seasoned veteran. Since making his high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, he has been nothing short of sensational.
It’s not often that a young player can arrive at a club as prestigious as Madrid and immediately become their main man, but he has done exactly that.
The Englishman has been the driving force behind Madrid’s midfield, blending physicality, elegance, and football IQ in a way that belies his age.
His performances at Euro 2024 also put him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. For England, he was a key figure as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the tournament.
He scored crucial goals, controlled games from the middle of the park, and showed that he’s more than capable of handling the pressure of the big stage.
Back at Madrid, Bellingham didn’t miss a beat.
His partnership with veterans like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos has been seamless, and his ability to take games by the scruff of the neck has already endeared him to the Bernabeu faithful.
His trophy cabinet isn’t overflowing just yet, with Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League successes in the 2023/2024 season, his name is now rightfully being mentioned among the elite.
If the Ballon d’Or voters are swayed by individual brilliance, Bellingham’s combination of flair, power, and leadership could make him a serious contender.
4. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
You might say why Carvajal, but the Spaniard’s consistency, leadership, and penchant for turning up in big moments have vaulted him into the conversation, hence his inclusion.
After years of quietly going about his business, his performances for both Real Madrid and Spain in 2023/24 have made sure that his name will be mentioned when the Ballon d’Or votes are counted.
At Madrid, Carvajal played an integral role in yet another successful Champions League campaign, scoring the opening goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund.
His composure and defensive prowess ensured that Madrid’s backline remained rock solid, and his contributions going forward, especially in key matches were invaluable.
It wasn’t just at club level where Carvajal shone. The veteran full-back was a pivotal part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team.
His defensive work, leadership, and ability to inspire a fairly young squad helped guide La Roja to another major international trophy.
Carvajal’s ACL injury in the early part of the 2024/25 season may rule him out, but if he were ever going to win the award, 2024 is the year.
His consistent excellence for both club and country makes him a deserving candidate.
SEE ALSO | Ballon d’Or Winner’s List Since 1956-2024
5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
If ever there was a player destined to win the Ballon d’Or at some point in his career, it’s Mbappe.
The French forward has been a top contender for the award for several years now, consistently delivering breathtaking performances for both club and country.
2024 might not be the year Mbappe finally claims the coveted prize, but his body of work over the last 12 months makes him impossible to ignore.
Having moved from PSG to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, Mbappe wasted no time in making an impact at his new club. He continued his habit of scoring spectacular goals, leaving defenders in his wake, and proving once again why he’s considered one of the best players of his generation.
His hat-trick in the World Cup final for France in 2022 is still fresh in the minds of voters, even if his Euro 2024 campaign was a bit underwhelming.
Despite missing out on international honors with France in 2024, Mbappe’s club achievements and his ever-present star power make him a firm contender for the Ballon d’Or.
The Verdict: Who Takes the 2024 Ballon d’Or?
So, who’s going to win?
That’s the million-dollar question. With Messi and Ronaldo out of the picture, we’re seeing a more level playing field with several deserving candidates staking their claim.
- Rodri has been phenomenal for both club and country, but defensive midfielders don’t always get the recognition they deserve in awards like this.
- Vinicius Junior dazzled for Real Madrid and could very well lift the golden ball if his clutch performances in the Champions League are rewarded.
- Jude Bellingham is the future of football, and a top-three finish seems inevitable for the young Englishman.
- Dani Carvajal is a surprise contender, but with his age and injury woes, this feels like his one-shot at glory.
- Kylian Mbappe continues to be one of the best players on the planet, but his quiet Euro 2024 might hold him back this time.
If we’re placing bets, Vinicius Junior might just edge out the competition. His consistent brilliance, ability to deliver in the big moments, and growing influence at Real Madrid could propel him to his first Ballon d’Or triumph.
As we know with football, it’s never as straightforward as it seems. We’ll have to wait until 28 October to find out who’s crowned the king of 2024.
