The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, and as the 2024 edition approaches, fans and pundits are eagerly discussing who will claim the coveted Golden Ball. With Lionel Messi having secured his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 after his World Cup victory, the focus has shifted to a new set of contenders. Among them, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Manchester City’s Rodri have emerged as the leading candidates, with Jude Bellingham’s strong early-season form slipping after a disappointing end to England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Vinicius Jr.: The Brazilian Sensation
A Stellar Season with Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr. has had an exceptional 2023-24 season, establishing himself as one of the best players in the world. After taking on a more prominent role at Real Madrid following Karim Benzema’s departure, Vinicius stepped up and delivered crucial performances throughout the season. His impact was most evident in the UEFA Champions League, where he played a key role in Madrid’s journey to lifting the trophy. His brilliant hat-trick in the final of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona further solidified his status as a world-class talent.
The Copa America Disappointment
Despite his success at the club level, Vinicius’s international season didn’t go as planned. After a promising start in the Copa America, where he scored twice in the group stages, he faced a setback with a suspension that ruled him out of Brazil’s quarter-final match against Uruguay. Unfortunately, Brazil’s campaign ended in disappointment as they were knocked out on penalties, leaving Vinicius with mixed emotions as he heads into the Ballon d’Or voting.
Rodri: The Midfield Maestro
Dominance with Manchester City
Rodri has been nothing short of sensational for Manchester City this season. As the anchor in City’s midfield, he played a pivotal role in their Premier League title defense, the Club World Cup triumph, and their victory in the UEFA Super Cup. His ability to control games with his passing, vision, and tactical intelligence made him indispensable to Pep Guardiola’s side. Rodri’s importance was highlighted by City’s struggles in the Premier League games he missed due to injury, emphasizing just how crucial he is to their success.
Euro 2024 Triumph
Rodri’s standout performances weren’t limited to club football. He was a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign, where they emerged victorious, adding yet another major trophy to his collection. Rodri’s consistent brilliance earned him the Player of the Tournament award, a testament to his influence on the international stage. While he had to leave the Euro 2024 final at halftime due to injury, his contributions leading up to the final were enough to secure his place among the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or.
Jude Bellingham: A Fading Dream
A Promising Start at Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid was one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer, and he quickly lived up to the hype. The young English midfielder made an immediate impact, scoring crucial goals and providing assists that helped Madrid in their domestic and European campaigns. His performance in the first half of the season, especially in high-stakes matches like El Clasico, made him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.
England’s Euro 2024 Disappointment
However, Bellingham’s Ballon d’Or bid took a hit after England’s heartbreaking loss in the Euro 2024 final. Despite his best efforts, including a spectacular overhead-kick goal in the last 16, England fell short against Spain in the final. Injuries and suspensions also limited Bellingham’s contributions during the latter part of the season, and although he remains one of the brightest talents in world football, his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024 have diminished.
The Contenders Behind the Front-Runners
Erling Haaland: The Goal Machine
Erling Haaland had another prolific season, scoring 45 goals across all competitions for Manchester City. However, his lack of international success, with Norway failing to qualify for Euro 2024, and City’s early exit from the Champions League have pushed him down the Ballon d’Or rankings. Despite his incredible goal-scoring feats, the absence of a major international tournament or Champions League success likely hampers his chances.
Kylian Mbappe: The French Phenom
Kylian Mbappe continued to dazzle with his performances, leading Paris Saint-Germain to yet another Ligue 1 title before making a high-profile move to Real Madrid. However, like Haaland, his lack of international silverware this year, coupled with France’s semi-final exit at Euro 2024, means he may fall short in the Ballon d’Or race.
Conclusion: The Final Countdown
As the Ballon d’Or ceremony draws closer, Vinicius Jr. and Rodri are the clear front-runners, having had exceptional seasons both domestically and internationally. Bellingham, while still a top contender, may have to wait for his Golden Ball moment. The race remains tight, with several players capable of springing a surprise. The football world will have its answer on October 28 in Paris, where the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be crowned.
Final Thoughts
The Ballon d’Or is always a topic of intense debate, and 2024 is no different. With Vinicius Jr. and Rodri leading the pack, it will be fascinating to see who ultimately claims the prize. Both players have shown they are worthy of football’s highest individual honor, and either would be a deserving winner. As we await the announcement, the football world remains on edge, eager to see which star will shine the brightest on October 28.
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