The Ballon d'Or is the pinnacle of individual achievement in football. Every year, the award sparks debates, ignites rivalries, and celebrates the most exceptional talents in the sport. On October 28, the name of the Ballon d'Or 2024 was announced. Who will win the Ballon d'Or 2024? Let's join Wintips to honor the worthy names and other potential candidates, and their performances.
Who will win the Ballon d'Or 2024?
Who will win the Ballon d'Or 2024? For the first time in history, both the men's and women's Ballon d'Or were awarded to players from the same country, with Spain's Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí taking the honors, alongside Lamine Yamal, also from Spain, receiving the Kopa Trophy. Rodri, in a career-best 2022/23 campaign, proved to be the MVP for what many consider the best football team in the world. As a defensive midfielder, he showcased his exceptional defensive skills, excellent passing ability, and knack for delivering in clutch moments.
His crucial contributions included scoring Manchester City's third goal against West Ham on the final day, securing the Premier League title, and netting City's only goal in the 2023 Champions League final. Additionally, Rodri played an integral role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024, forming a strong partnership with Fabian Ruiz in the midfield and earning the Player of the Tournament award as Spain clinched the trophy.
Other top candidates for the Ballon d'Or 2024
1, Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr., the forward for Real Madrid, has become a global football sensation in recent years, with his talent and determination only growing stronger each season. Despite enduring several incidents of racial abuse in Spain, the Brazilian has remained resilient, continuing to perform at the highest level. Within a star-studded Real Madrid squad, where competition for goals and assists is fierce, Vinicius has firmly established himself as the team's unquestioned attacking leader.
In the Champions League final, he once again delivered on the biggest stage, scoring his 24th goal of the season to secure a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund—just two years after scoring the decisive goal in the final against Liverpool. His ability to rise to the occasion highlights his importance to the team and his status as one of football's brightest talents.
2. Jude Bellingham — Midfield, Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham, the 20-year-old England international, is quickly making his mark at Real Madrid, and though he has yet to fully make the club his own, his impact in his first season is unparalleled since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival. Bellingham has already achieved something that Ronaldo did not: winning the Champions League in his first season with the club, and in a memorable match against his former team, Borussia Dortmund.
The young midfielder is undoubtedly a generational talent, having previously excelled in a deeper role at Borussia Dortmund, playing at a world-class level. When Carlo Ancelotti moved him to a No. 10 position, it initially seemed a bold decision, considering Bellingham's exceptional abilities in his previous No. 6/No. 8 role. Who will win the Ballon d'Or in 2024? However, with 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions in his first season, Ancelotti's decision has proven to be nothing short of a masterstroke.
3. Kylian Mbappe — Forward, PSG
Kylian Mbappe, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, will certainly have the public's backing in future Ballon d'Or votes. However, as the 2024 season winds down, he finds himself trailing behind other favorites. His PSG career concluded with a quiet finish, as he struggled in key moments, particularly during the Champions League, where PSG was eliminated by Borussia Dortmund. Mbappe was largely invisible during this campaign, overshadowed by players like Jadon Sancho and his teammate Ousmane Dembele.
Since the turn of the year, Mbappe’s performances have been inconsistent. Although he scored 23 of his 44 goals in 2024, many of these came in less crucial matches. For example, he netted eight goals in the Coupe de France but failed to score in the final as PSG barely overcame Lyon 2-1. For Mbappe to revive his Ballon d'Or aspirations in 2024, a strong performance at the Euros was crucial. Who will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or? Unfortunately, he delivered a poor showing, and France fell short in the semifinals, sealing the end of his chances for an award this year.
4. Harry Kane — Forward, Bayern Munich
Harry Kane had an exceptional first season at Bayern Munich, finishing with an impressive 44 goals in 45 games. Despite this remarkable tally, much of his goal-scoring did not come in moments that would enhance his Ballon d'Or candidacy. Unfortunately for Kane, Bayern Munich's failure to win any trophies this season was a significant blow to his chances, reinforcing the narrative that the England striker is "cursed" when it comes to winning major silverware.
One of the most damaging aspects of his season was Bayern's lack of success in key competitions. Kane's only goal against the eventual Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen, came in a 1-1 draw, and his solitary goal in the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid was a penalty, one of nine he scored from the spot this season. Kane's goal-scoring prowess also extended to Euro 2024, where he scored three goals and shared the Golden Boot with five other players. Who will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or? However, despite his impressive tally, he failed to outshine players like Jude Bellingham, making it an uphill battle for Kane to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
Who will win the Ballon d'Or 2025?
There's a good chance that another new Ballon d'Or winner will emerge next year, and the lack of meaningful international football means that the prize will almost entirely focus on club performance during the 2024/25 season. With that in mind, here is our way-too-early prediction for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
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1, Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior is fully determined to claim the Ballon d'Or next year, a goal that became abundantly clear after his second-place finish in 2024. Following Rodri's victory, the Brazilian took to social media, posting, "I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready," showcasing his unwavering resolve to secure the prestigious award.
Many believe that Vinicius could already be the world's best player, and his fierce determination to rectify what he perceives as an unfair outcome could propel him to Ballon d'Or glory in 2025. Despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappé at Paris Saint-Germain, Vinicius’s status at Real Madrid remains unshaken, and if Madrid continues to enjoy success in the Champions League, it will only strengthen his chances in the race for the coveted individual accolade next year.
2. Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal's potential seems limitless, and it's hard to imagine a future where he doesn't secure a Ballon d'Or in his career. The young prodigy claimed the Kopa Trophy in 2024 and finished an impressive eighth in the voting for the main Ballon d'Or prize.
At just a teenager, Yamal is performing at an astonishing level, surpassing expectations and defying belief. His rise to prominence is reminiscent of the early days of Lionel Messi, though Yamal is already achieving feats that even the great Argentine didn't accomplish at his age. The sky truly seems to be the limit for this extraordinary talent.
3. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland's absence from the Ballon d'Or podium has sparked debates, with some insisting he deserved the 2023 award over Lionel Messi, particularly after his record-breaking scoring season that helped Manchester City secure a treble. While Messi solidified his legacy by leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, many argue Haaland's numbers speak for themselves.
The Norwegian may not possess the finesse that others do, but his relentless goal-scoring ability remains undeniable. As long as he stays fit, Haaland is set to continue his impressive streak, and with no major international tournaments next summer, he may find himself in an even stronger position for future Ballon d'Or contention.
4. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is considering his stunning performance in the 2018 World Cup, where he became a global sensation. Back then, it seemed impossible to imagine that the young French forward, already among the world's elite, wouldn't have claimed a Ballon d'Or by now.
Despite his consistent brilliance, Mbappe's single podium finish stands in contrast to expectations. However, his future looks promising, as a potential move to Real Madrid—one of the most successful clubs in Champions League history—could boost his chances, even though he has yet to establish himself as the undisputed star of the team.
5. Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski's career seemed to be nearing its end during much of the 2023/24 season, but the arrival of Hansi Flick, his former coach at Bayern Munich, has sparked a remarkable resurgence. While Lewandowski is renowned for his goal-scoring abilities, his contributions to Barcelona go far beyond finding the back of the net.
Under Flick's leadership, the veteran striker has helped elevate the team’s performance, playing a crucial role in their early success. If Barcelona continues to thrive and Lewandowski maintains his relentless form, the 36-year-old could once again become a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or.
Conclusion
Who will win the Ballon d'Or 2024? Rodri has truly deserved this year's award. He has given his all to contribute to world football. Although numerous players are delivering exceptional performances, Rodri's victory is indisputable. Football fans worldwide eagerly, ready to celebrate this player.
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