As the soccer world gathers for the 68th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the race for the prestigious individual award has never been more wide open. With the reign of legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo coming to an end, a new generation of superstars is vying for the title of the world’s best player.
Many people predict Vinicius Junior, the electrifying winger for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The 24-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal season, helping Real Madrid secure a historic 15th UEFA Champions League title and cementing his status as one of the most exciting talents in world football.
Vinicius’ exploits in the Champions League, where he scored a crucial goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund, have captured the imagination of fans and experts alike. Coupled with his impressive domestic campaign, in which he scored 24 goals and provided 9 assists, the young Brazilian has firmly established himself as a global superstar.
However, Jude Bellingham, a 20-year-old English midfielder who has captivated the world since joining Real Madrid, presents fierce competition for Vinicius. Bellingham’s seamless transition to the Spanish giants, where he has already won the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup, has been nothing short of remarkable.
With 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, Bellingham’s impact on the game has been undeniable. His dominant performances have not only solidified his place in the Madrid starting XI but have also earned him a crucial role in the England national team, which reached the final of the European Championship this summer.
Dani Carvajal, the Real Madrid and Spain defender who has been a pillar at the back for both club and country, and Rodri, the Manchester City and Spain midfielder whose faultless performances have been crucial to his team’s success, are other contenders for the Ballon d’Or.
On October 28, the ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris promises to be a night filled with high drama and anticipation. With Messi and Ronaldo’s reign coming to an end, the 2024 Ballon d’Or will mark the coronation of a new king of world football. One thing is certain: the future of the sport is in very capable hands as the world anxiously awaits the announcement of the best player of the year.