The race for this year’s Ballon d’Or appears to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a fresh wave of contenders emerging from the long-standing dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
As these two global icons begin to fade from the spotlight, the prestigious award—presented annually by France Football—feels more up for grabs than ever. On October 28, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, a new champion will be crowned.
In its 68th edition, the coveted prize could land in the hands of a Real Madrid star from their Champions League-winning side, a South American sensation like Copa América hero Lautaro Martinez, or even a goalscoring machine like Erling Haaland or Harry Kane.
Now that the 30-man shortlist has been revealed, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the top contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
1. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid and Brazil)
Vinicius enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 campaign with Real Madrid, who won both the Champions League and La Liga, aided by his impressive tally of 24 goals and 11 assists. While Brazil’s Copa América run ended in the quarterfinals, his contributions throughout 2024 have been significant. But will it be enough to earn him the necessary votes from the panel?
2. Rodri (Manchester City and Spain)
Despite its dominance in European football, it’s been since 2008—during Cristiano Ronaldo’s first stint at Manchester United—that the Premier League last produced a Ballon d’Or winner.
Rodri, a key cog in Manchester City’s machine, could break that streak after helping the club secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title. He also played a pivotal role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, showcasing his all-around ability and consistent performances.
The former Atlético Madrid midfielder has a chance to become the first midfielder to win the award since Luka Modric. Few would argue against him lifting the trophy this year.
3. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid and France)
After finishing third behind Lionel Messi last year, Kylian Mbappe was widely expected to claim the crown in 2024, solidifying his status as the best player in the world.
Though a rocky end to his PSG career often saw him sidelined, Mbappe was poised to shine once more at Euro 2024, much like he did at the 2022 World Cup. However, the French captain had a disappointing tournament, scoring just once after sustaining a facial injury that hindered his performances.
Since then, his highly anticipated move to Real Madrid has gone smoothly. But could his new teammate Vinicius Junior beat him to the Ballon d’Or?
4. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)
While Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams delivered exciting performances at Euro 2024, their club seasons were less remarkable, leaving them unlikely to take home the top prize this year.
Florian Wirtz, a former teenage sensation, has a better chance at a podium finish. The German impressed both for his country and for Bayer Leverkusen, who claimed a historic Bundesliga title. Wirtz contributed 21 goals and 21 assists, playing a crucial role in their record-breaking 52-match unbeaten streak.
Despite overcoming a serious knee injury, Wirtz fulfilled his early promise. Even if he doesn’t win this year, the talented playmaker could be in contention for years to come.
5. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid and Germany – now retired)
Toni Kroos bowed out at the top, delivering exceptional performances in the final year of his illustrious career. He provided 12 assists and was instrumental in Real Madrid’s midfield during their successful Champions League and La Liga campaigns.
Kroos even came out of international retirement under new Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, seeking one last shot at glory on home soil during Euro 2024. Though the dream ended in the quarterfinals, his influence on football throughout 2024 cannot be overstated.
6. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan and Argentina)
Lautaro Martinez, who bounced back after being dropped midway through Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win, had a phenomenal season in 2024. Martinez scored 35 goals, leading Inter Milan to the Serie A title and winning Copa América with Argentina.
Martinez also claimed Italy’s Capocannoniere award and exorcised his demons on the international stage, scoring five goals in the Copa América, including an extra-time winner in the final. His exceptional year could put him in serious contention for the Ballon d’Or.
7. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid and England)
Phil Foden may have hit new heights in the Premier League, but his inability to replicate that form on the international stage likely rules him out of the Ballon d’Or conversation.
In contrast, Jude Bellingham enjoyed a brilliant debut season with Real Madrid, playing a key role in their La Liga and Champions League triumphs. The versatile midfielder contributed 23 goals and 13 assists across 42 matches, often playing in a more advanced role.
Bellingham also helped England reach the Euro 2024 final, scoring a stunning winner in the last 16 against Slovakia and a spectacular overhead goal against Serbia.
8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway)
After finishing runner-up to Messi last year, Erling Haaland remains a serious contender. As a prolific, top-tier striker for Manchester City, Haaland’s incredible goalscoring record in the Premier League and Champions League puts him on the shortlist once again.
However, Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 may count against him. Without the chance to shine on the international stage, Haaland faces tough competition from players like Lautaro Martinez and Harry Kane, who had the opportunity to impress at major tournaments.
