On Monday, October 28, the Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed in Paris. Which of the biggest names in the game are serious candidates, and which are just pretenders?
Lionel Messi earned his eighth Ballon d’Or after winning the 2023 trophy in Paris back in October, after a season that saw him finally win the World Cup.
But the world of football has long since moved on, and discussion is already heating up as we get closer to finding out who will triumph in 2024.
The race was fierce. In addition to the customary ups and downs on the home front, 2023–24 witnessed the participation of most of the world’s top players in international competitions, including as the European Championship and Copa America.
Also Read: All Ballon d’Or Winners In 21st Century
A 20-year trend has ended this year as neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were included in the 30-man 2024 Ballon d’Or nomination list that was unveiled on Wednesday, September 4.
Also Read: Top 5 Favourites To Win The 2024 Ballon d’Or
As the duopoly gives way to a new age, this was the first time since 2003 that neither of the men was on the list.
Ranking Factors
We’ve determined the order based on the following:
- Goals scored
- Assists
- Clean sheets (if defensive-minded)
- Trophies won/challenged for
- Big moments in 2023-24 and in major international tournaments
- General form
| Ballon d’Or Power Rankings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Player | Club | Country | Position |
| 1 | Vinicius Junior | Real Madrid | Brazil | Forward |
| 2 | Rodri | Manchester City | Spain | Midfielder |
| 3 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | England | Midfielder |
| 4 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | Spain | Forward |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid | France | Forward |
| 6 | Dani Carvajal | Real Madrid | Spain | Defender |
| 7 | Lautaro Martinez | Inter | Argentina | Forward |
| 8 | Phil Foden | Manchester City | England | Forward |
| 9 | Toni Kroos | Retired | Germany | Midfielder |
| 10 | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich | England | Forward |
