Ballon d'Or 2024: 5 players to keep an eye on in coveted award race

Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d'Or award thanks to his time at Paris Saint Germain and leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Messi became the first player to win the award while playing outside of Europe, although his award accolades precede his time in Miami.

The race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or has already begun, and some players have started their campaign on a good note. Here are the players who have made a positive start to their bid for the award and who to keep an eye on as the competitions rev up in the new year.

5 players in the 2024 Ballon d'Or award race

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland

In 2023, it was surprising that Erling Haaland came in second and did not win the award despite an outstanding performance in his first year with Manchester City. Haaland scored 52 goals in all competitions and helped Manchester City achieve a treble under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola. However, Haaland has already started his Ballon d'Or campaign this year and has lived up to expectations by scoring 22 goals and providing five assists in all competitions. In the English Premier League, he has made 15 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing four assists. It is almost certain that Haaland will be among the finalists for the award in 2024.

Paris Saint-Germain Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe missed out on the 2023 Ballon d’Or, coming in third place in the voting after Messi and Haaland. Mbappe has already started the 2024 season on a good note, netting 27 goals and recording eight assists so far this season for PSG. Mbappe will play a crucial role for France in the 2024 Euros giving him the statistical push that lands the Ballon d’Or in his hands in 2024.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah

Despite Liverpool failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven years, Mohamed Salah is showing no signs of slowing down. In 20 appearances in the English Premier League, Salah has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists, helping Liverpool secure the top spot on the table with 45 points. Salah will also have the opportunity to further enhance his Ballon d’Or stats as he joins Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations with hopes of winning the championship title.

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka has been a crucial member of Arsenal's Premier League title race campaign in the 2023-24 season. In 19 EPL appearances for Mike Arteta's team, Saka has scored six goals in 19 appearances this season. As a 22-year-old winger for England, he has proven to be a strong contender for the award and is someone to watch closely this year.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi

Could Lionel Messi make history and win his ninth Ballon d'Or in 2024? It's no secret that Messi's move to an MLS team has put the league on the map, making him the biggest international superstar to sign with a team in the United States. While playing in the MLS competition alone may not be enough to put Messi's name back in the mix for the Ballon d'Or, he will also be joining the Argentina squad in the 2024 Copa America. Messi will play a crucial role in helping Argentina win another trophy for their country.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ballon d'Or 2024: Kylian Mbappe and more favorites for prestigious award