For the first time in two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were included in the list of top 20 contenders for the Ballon d’Or, announced by France Football. Messi, who had previously secured a record eight Ballon d’Ors after winning the Copa America and the World Cup, was notably absent from this year’s list due to a poor season with Inter Miami, despite his historic achievements. This marked the end of an era that saw the legendary battle for the most coveted individual football trophy between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, paving the way for a new generation of stars to dominate the scene.
Jude Bellingham had appeared to be the front-runner for the 2024 Ballon d’Or after a stunning season with Real Madrid, but a series of standout performances from Rodri for Manchester City and Spain pushed the Spaniard into the spotlight. Unfortunately, Rodri’s injury during the season meant he missed several key matches, which opened the door for Vinicius Junior to surge ahead.
Vinicius had been in exceptional form, showcasing his brilliance for Real Madrid and solidifying his place as one of the brightest talents in world football. However, despite his impressive performances, it was Rodri who ultimately claimed the Ballon d’Or, winning with 1,170 points – 41 more than Vinicius, who finished with 1,129 points. The Ballon d’Or 2024 was announced in Paris on Monday, October 28, and while Rodri emerged as the winner, the race was incredibly close, with Vinicius’ fine form keeping the competition intense.
10. Erling Haaland
The Norwegian striker won his second consecutive Golden Boot award in the Premier League, taking his tally to a total of 27 goals in 31 matches. But will he be able to cross the line, this time? Well, if we look at the stats, his record goal-scoring, memorable performances, and the trophies he won, he sure deserves a chance but Manchester City’s exit in the quarter-finals in the UEFA Champions League might cost him the Ballon d’Or this year. Not only that, Norwegian wasn’t able to create an impact for his country at the UEFA Euro 2024. He pushed him down in the Ballon d’Or 2024 power rankings.
Stats: 45 goals, 6 assists,1x Premier League, 1x Club World Cup & 1x UEFA Super Cup
9. Phil Foden
The Man City’s phenomenon Phil Foden stepped up in 2023/24 in the absence of Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland for major parts of the campaign. The attacking midfielder witnessed his best campaign in a City shirt for which he was honoured with the Premier League Player of the Year award. But he couldn’t replicate this form on the international level as he struggled to make an impact in an England shirt this summer.
Stats: 28 goals, 12 assists, 1x Premier League, 1x Club World Cup & 1x UEFA Super Cup
8. Kylian Mbappe
Heating up the Ballon d’Or 2024 power rankings is French forward Kylian Mbappe. Despite making a blockbuster move to Real Madrid in the summer, Mbappe had a disappointing run with France in Euro 2024. He has churned out a significant sum of 52 goals and 21 assists in the 2023-2024 campaign but will not be lifting his first Ballon d’Or later this year.
The French forward had a slow start to the La Liga season but suddenly picked his pace and has scored 6 goals so far. France’s elimination from the UEFA Euro and PSG’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League have pushed him back in the Ballon d’Or 2024 Power rankings.
Stats: 52 goals, 21 assists, 1x Ligue 1, 1x Coupe de France & 1x Trophee des Champions
7. Harry Kane
Harry Kane has been smashing records in the Bundesliga in terms of goal-scoring. The England striker has witnessed stellar numbers in front of the goal since joining the German giants Bayern Munich. In the 2023-2024 season, he has registered a significant tally of 44 goals and 12 assists leading him to his first-ever Bundesliga Golden Boot.
Despite losing the Euro 2024 final, Kane shared the Golden Boot alongside five other players. The English striker opted to move to Bayern Munich to test his long-awaited dream of winning a trophy ended with disappointment as Bayern Munich failed to win any Silverware. Kane has already scored 8 goals for Bayern this season and will be hoping to win his first silverware.
Stats: 52 goals & 14 assists
6. Lamine Yamal
The 17-year-old Lamine Yamal has shocked football fans and pundits alike with his performances for his country and club. Barcelona may have ended their season without any silverware but the rise of Yamal may have given them hope for the Blaugrana’s future.
The winger bagged the Young Player of the Tournament at the UEFA Euro and showed his skills and a glimpse of what he can do on the football pitch. Yamal played a key role in the dominance asserted by Spain throughout the tournament with 4 assists and a goal in a win over France in the semi-final.
Stats: 10 goals, 18 assists, & 1x Euro 2024
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5. Lautaro Martinez
The Argentine striker fired Inter Milan to the Scudetto after a sensational campaign in the Serie A where he smashed 24 goals to bag the Golden Boot Award. Martinez also ended up as Copa America’s Golden Boot winner with five goals after scoring the match-winner in the final against Colombia. But that didn’t last long, after a dominant season for Inter and Argentina, he has been struggling in Serie A this season.
The Argentine striker has only managed to net 4 goals in 10 games in all competitions for Inter Milan which might cost him the trophy and push him out of the race.
Stats: 35 goals, 8 assists, 1x Copa America, 1x Serie A & 1x Supercoppa Italiana
4. Dani Carvajal
The veteran defender is one of the surprising names on the list who played a key role as Spain won their fourth European Championship trophy in Germany. Carvajal also opened the scoring in Real Madrid’s Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund. The Spanish Right Back, Dani Carvajal has stepped up at the crucial moments with some key assists and goals for both club and country.
Dani is one of the unsung heroes of Real Madrid’s successful campaign as all the limelights were taken by his clubmates Bellingham and Vinicius. He managed to carry his form to this season as well but unfortunately got injured and missed a few games already.
Stats: 7 goals, 8 assists, 21 clean sheets, 1x Euro 2024, 1x Champions League, 1x La Liga & 1x Supercopa de Espana
3. Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid player has emerged as one of the standout performers of the season so far both for club and country. Jude Bellingham has been consistently on the score sheet for the Los Blancos and ended the season as the club’s top-scorer. He is termed to be in the form of his life at the highest level of football. Bellingham has a tally of 27 goals and 17 assists to his name in the 2023-2024 season.
Probably, the best player in the world in the first half of the season but a few games missed due to injuries, suspension, and England’s failure to win the UEFA Euro haunted him in his chance to grab the Ballon d’Or 2024 trophy. Since, the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, Jude has suddenly lost his charm and has been lagging since then.
Stats: 27 goals, 17 assists, 1x Champions League, 1x La Liga & 1x Supercopa de Espana
2. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has emerged as one of the top performers since the start of the 2023-24 season. The Real Madrid star has racked up an impressive 26 goals and 12 assists during this campaign, helping his club secure the Champions League, La Liga, and Supercopa de España titles. While he faced a disappointing Copa America campaign with Brazil, Vinicius remains one of the frontrunners in the Ballon d’Or 2024 power rankings. Historically, the Ballon d’Or has favored attackers over defensive midfielders, making this a potential year for the Brazilian superstar to claim the prestigious award.
With his knack for delivering clutch performances in crucial games, Vinicius has not only become one of the standout players of recent times but has also proven his ability to lead his team when it matters most. His exceptional form for Real Madrid last season and this one has made him a strong, deserving candidate for the Ballon d’Or. Although narrowly missing out on the award to Rodri, who won with 1,170 points compared to Vinicius’ 1,129, the Brazilian forward has firmly announced himself as a future force in this competition. Known for his memorable “SIU” celebration reminiscent of CR7, Vinicius has undoubtedly staked his claim as one of the game’s elite, poised to contend for the Ballon d’Or in the years to come.
Stats: 26 goals, 12 assists, 1x Champions League, 1x La Liga & 1x Supercopa de Espana
1. Rodri: Winner
Manchester City’s Rodri has been consistently regarded as the best defensive midfielder over the last few years, and he has continued that streak into 2024. The Spaniard enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career, winning the Premier League, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup in the 2023/24 season. Rodri also played an instrumental role in helping Spain claim their fourth European trophy in Germany, earning the prestigious Player of the Tournament recognition.
Despite an unfortunate injury that threatened to impact his standing in the Ballon d’Or race, Rodri ultimately clinched the coveted trophy with a remarkable total of 1,170 points, narrowly surpassing Vinicius Jr., who tallied 1,129 points. This achievement solidifies Rodri’s place as one of the premier players in world football, rounding off a sensational year for both club and country.
Stats: 12 goals, 15 assists, 1x Euro 2024, 1x Premier League, 1x Club World Cup & 1x UEFA Super Cup
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