With the next Ballon Dor winner set to be announced in October 2024, many players are competing for the award. It is strictly on players achievement from 1 August 2023 to 31st July 2024 at International and club level. Who are the 2024 ballon dor favourite?
Lionel Messi won the previous Ballon D’or in 2023 after leading his country to become the champions of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Winning the award eight times has made the Argentine the greatest and most decorated footballer.
Messi and Argentina also won the 2024 Copa America which has also been added up to his trophy cabinet and also being nominated for this edition.
Who is 2024 Ballon Dor favourite Ranked
Here is our list of top players that are likely to win the 2024 Ballon D’or award.
10. Harry Kane
England International player Harry Kane made a transfer away from English premier league to German Bundesliga. Though Kane’s quest for a trophy is yet to be solved as Bayern Munich finished trophyless.
Harry Kane was able to register 44 goals in all competitions in his first season for Bayern Munich. Also bagged 3 goals for England at the just concluded Euro 2024 held in Germany.
But England failed to win the competition, falling to a 2-1 defeat by Euro 2024 champions Spain. But Harry Kane made our top 10 favourites to win the 2024 Ballon D’or.
9. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
The German International has retired from football after participating for the last time at the Euro 2024. So there is no more Toni Kroos, after winning the 2023/224 champions league with Real Madrid.
Before his retirement he was a key player for Madrid and the German team at the just concluded Euro 2024.
Despite being nominated severally for the award, he is yet to win any, Kroos sits ninth on our list of 2024 Ballon Dor favourites list.
8. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Lionel Messi’s name has long been described with football excellence, and it’s no surprise that he’s a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or once again in 2024.
As one of the most celebrated players in the history of the sport, Messi’s reputation alone makes him a front-runner for the prestigious award.
This year, Messi’s impressive performances on the field continue to add weight to his rating. Despite moving to Major League Soccer, Messi’s decision to keep playing instead of retiring after his World Cup victory has paid off in a big way.
His recent triumph in the Copa America further solidifies his status as one of the game’s greats.
While it’s true that Messi’s popularity and his success with Argentina are significant factors in his Ballon d’Or bid, it’s also worth considering how he stacks up against other players this year.
While Messi’s achievements are undeniable, the competition remains fierce, with several other top-tier players making compelling cases for the award.
Ultimately, while Messi’s potential ninth Ballon d’Or win wouldn’t be a shock, it’s a reminder of just how extraordinary his career has been and continues to be. Even with strong contenders in the mix, Messi’s legacy and recent accomplishments keep him firmly in the spotlight.
7. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Lautaro Martinez’s journey to stardom has felt like a long, winding road, but it’s clear that the Argentine forward is finally hitting his stride at Inter Milan. After a series of ups and downs, Martinez’s 2023/24 season has been nothing short of outstanding performance.
Known for his amazing eye in front of goal, Martinez has shown remarkable resilience and consistency this year. His hard work and perseverance paid off as he won his first Capocannoniere title, finishing the Serie A season as the top scorer.
Inter Milan, with Martinez leading the attack, were a cut above the rest, dominating the league in style.
But Martinez’s brilliance didn’t stop with Serie A. He carried his outstanding form into the Copa America, where he truly shined. The tournament saw him net an impressive five goals, topping the scoring charts and securing the trophy for his team.
His decisive goal in the final was a perfect cap to a memorable campaign.
Lautaro Martinez’s season has been a sign to his talent and determination, marking a milestone in his career and further increasing his status as one of football’s rising stars.
6. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
These might not be the usual, getting a young kid at 17 years making the list of 2024 ballon d’or favorites. But his name is already in the lips of many after emerging as a champion of euro 2024.
Yamal won the euros 2024 youngest player of the tournament and his goal at the semi final won the goal of the tournament. It is clear the young catalonia might become a player to watch out for in the coming seasons.
As young as Lamine Yamal, he has started setting and breaking records for himself. His name is now in the conversation of the favourties to win the award.
5. Kylain Mbappe (Real Madrid)
French national player Kylian Mbappe was unveiled at Santiago Bernabeu a few weeks ago. Mbappe moving away from Paris Saint Germain to Madrid might increase his chance of winning the award shortly.
Kylian Mbappe has always made the top 10 list since 2017 and took third place in the 2023 award.
Though France’s performance at euro 2024 harms his chances of winning the award this season.
4. Dani Cavajal (Real Madrid)
At the start of last season, few would have agreed Dani Carvajal, the dependable right-back for Real Madrid, as a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. Even Carvajal himself might have found it hard to imagine just how amazing his year would turn out to be.
Carvajal, a first time player in Madrid’s defense, made an impact in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. He scored the opening goal, leading his team to their sixth European title. This goal wasn’t just a moment of brilliance; it showed how important he was on the field.
But Carvajal’s remarkable season didn’t stop with club success. He was also a crucial part of Spain’s squad at Euro 2024. As the starting right-back for La Roja, his experience and leadership proved invaluable.
Despite the team being relatively young, Carvajal’s steady presence and tactical play were instrumental in guiding them to another major international victory.
In reflecting on Carvajal’s year, it’s clear that his contributions went beyond just defending. His ability to rise to the occasion in club and international competitions speaks volumes about his skill and dedication. Unsurprisingly, his name is now being mentioned in conversations about the Ballon d’Or.
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham’s arrival at Real Madrid has been nothing short of spectacular, making him a promising talent to a genuine superstar in record time.
Despite the immense hype and expectations, Bellingham seems to handle the spotlight effortlessly. Far from being overwhelmed by the crowd and expectation of the Santiago Bernabeu, he appears to excel under the intense pressure.
His performances at Euro 2024 only reinforced this, as he played a crucial role for England, showcasing his exceptional talent on a major stage.
With a couple of notable trophies already in his cabinet, Bellingham has made a compelling case for himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation. His remarkable journey and standout performances have made him a strong contender, capturing the hearts of fans and critics alike.
2. Rodri (Manchester City)
Although defensive midfielders often face long odds when it comes to Ballon d’Or consideration, Rodri’s standout performances during the 2023/24 season make him a strong contender this year.
Rodri’s 2022/23 campaign was a career highlight, earning him the MVP title for what many considered the world’s top football team. His defensive ability, impressive passing ability, and eye for scoring crucial goals set him apart.
He scored City’s decisive third goal against West Ham on the final day of the Premier League, sealing the title in dramatic fashion.
But Rodri’s impact wasn’t limited to club football. At Euro 2024, he was instrumental in Spain’s triumph, forming a dynamic partnership with Fabian Ruiz.
His performances throughout the tournament were so influential that he was named Player of the Tournament, highlighting his critical role in La Roja’s success.
Rodri’s consistent excellence and key contributions both domestically and internationally make him a standout candidate for the Ballon d’Or. His blend of defensive strength, playmaking skills, and decisive goals has truly defined his year.
1. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
The Brazilian performance since his return from injury has been outstanding for Madrid. He has proven to be the most dangerous left winger in European football.
scoring 2 goals in the champions league semi final against Bayern Munich and playing a key role in the final against Borussia Dortmund.
Despite Brazil’s poor performance at the just concluded Copa America, Vinicius seems to be the 2024 ballon dor favourite.
Few months from now we will know who stands out as the winner among the 2024 Ballon dor favourite list, will it be your favourite player.
