The lineup of contenders vying for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or, which recognizes the top male player of the previous season, has been unveiled.
Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are the frontrunners, poised to potentially become only the fifth different winner in the past 17 years, following the dominance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Both Bellingham and Vinicius clinched La Liga and Champions League titles with Real Madrid, scoring 23 and 24 goals respectively. They also aimed for international glory, but Bellingham’s England fell short in the Euro 2024 final, while Vinicius’ Brazil disappointed in the Copa America.
Other hopefuls like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal are also in the running for top spots in the final rankings.
Many anticipated Messi’s nomination after his Copa America triumph with Argentina. However, the 37-year-old was not included in the list of nominees. Ronaldo was also absent, marking the first time in 21 years that neither superstar made the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
The prestigious Ballon d’Or award ceremony, honoring the top male player, will take place on 28 October at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.