This will be the first winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, when everyone knows who the title owner will be, as this end will be waiting for the all-season 2023/24, until individual brilliancy and decisive performance become main factors on whom to lay the winner title.
Erling Haaland must be on the list as one of the favorites. The Norwegian striker had the season of a lifetime with Manchester City, smashing numerous goals-scoring records and claimed the title for the Premier League. His efficient participation in scoring has also heavily weighed on City’s contributions to the Champions League matches; he is one of the deadliest strikers in the world, nowadays. However, Norway did not qualify for Euro 2024, and therefore cannot participate and win the prize there for him.
Another sure bet is Lionel Messi, still in the headlines after guiding Argentina to World Cup triumph late last year. Of course, Messi’s club form with Inter Miami has been solid, but his international form remains the primary reason Ballon d’Or voters are still held in such awe. If he takes the award, then it would be a remarkable eight, reinforcing his status further.
Meanwhile, attention has been streamed in for Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian winger played a fantastic season with Real Madrid, providing goals and assists in La Liga and the Champions League. Vinícius’s creative flair and match-winning abilities reinforce his position among the world’s very best wingers.
Jude Bellingham is one of those bright young talents in contention. He has shown the maturity of a player above his years in his performances for Borussia Dortmund and now at Real Madrid. Bellingham’s consistency and talent on the biggest stage will be a surprise winner .
This remains a closely fought race to the 2024 Ballon d’Or, much like how football is shaping up at this point in time. New voting criteria now tend to favor achievements over career legacies and therefore the race is far more open than ever before. All eyes are on Paris tonight as football’s most individual prestigious honor goes out to be claimed. It will only mark the emergence of a new superstar, or it may serve as a crowning moment for Messi.
