Ranking the five favourites to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or

Major tournaments often influence the Ballon d’Or vote and the European Championship and Copa America certainly shook things up.

Spain were crowned Euro 2024 winners after beating England, while Argentina defended their Copa America title with an extra-time win over Colombia. The nominees have now been revealed and there will be a new name on the trophy after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were not included for the first time in 21 years.

Ranking the five favourites to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or

5. Lamine Yamal 

Lamine Yamal produced a scintillating showing of his precocious talent this summer with the teenager influential in Spain’s success at Euro 2024. After becoming the European Championship’s youngest-ever player in Spain’s opening fixture, Yamal set about stamping his mark on the tournament and did so in style.

The 17-year-old recorded more assists (4) and key passes (19) than any other player, while his spectacular strike in the semi-final win over France will be among the iconic imagery of the finals. His ability to influence games of such stature, at this age, is truly remarkable.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or might be too soon but his current trajectory suggests it will be a case of when and not if for Yamal. Ronaldo Nazario’s record-breaking win at 21 will be another record in his sights.

Remembering when a 21-year-old Ronaldo Nazario won the Ballon d’Or

4. Dani Carvajal 

Just three defenders have ever won the Ballon d’Or, and none of those defensive greats were full-backs. Dani Carvajal, however, has placed himself among the frontrunners after a decorated season for club and country.

The 32-year-old was named in the La Liga Team of the Season after a stellar year for Real Madrid, in which the defender won a league and Champions League double under Carlo Ancelotti. He scored six goals in all competitions, more than he had managed in the previous nine seasons combined, including an effort in the Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.

After missing the previous two European Championships with Spain, Carvajal’s long-awaited debut at the tournament saw him score against Croatia before impressing as La Roja won a record-extending fourth title. He might not be the world’s finest footballer but few have had such successful seasons.

3. Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham remains a frontrunner for the award after a spectacular debut season at Real Madrid.

The midfielder scored 23 goals in all competitions as Carlo Ancelotti’s side won a La Liga and Champions League double, earning the La Liga Player of the Season and Champions League Young Player of the Season awards for 2023-24.

For England, he was not quite the buccaneering force of his club season in Spain, but delivered big goals against Serbia and Slovakia – the latter a 95th-minute equaliser to force extra-time – to help the Three Lions to the Euro 2024 final.

2. Rodri 

Spain’s success this summer has seen Rodri’s odds shortened for the ultimate individual honour. It continues an incredible period of success for the midfield metronome, who has lost just four games for club and country combined since the start of 2023.

In that same timeframe, he has won eight trophies and four Player of the Tournament awards, taking those titles in the Champions League, Club World Cup, UEFA Nations League and this summer’s European Championship.

Players in Rodri’s role do not always receive recognition for individual honours but his case is a compelling one. He might just be the most influential footballer in the world right now.

1. Vinicius Junior 

Vinicius Junior is the slight favourite to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024, following his exploits for Real Madrid.

Vinicius scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists for Real Madrid in 2023-24, including a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, as Carlo Ancelotti’s side won a treble of trophies.

In the Champions League, he was decisive, with 10 goals and assists in 10 games, including the second in the 2-0 final win over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Deservedly named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season, no player has had more goal involvements in the competition across the last three seasons.

Brazil’s poor campaign at the Copa America could count against him but Vinicius has been one of the stars of the season at club level.

The 24-year-old aims to become the fifth Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or and the first since Kaka in 2007.

Read – Euro 2024 Awards: Best moment, player, goal and more

See more – Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament as Spain dominate

Subscribe to our social channels:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok