Ballon d’Or 2024: The Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious awards in football, returns in 2024 with an exciting lineup of nominees, creating much anticipation among fans worldwide. This year’s list features outstanding players across multiple categories, each vying for recognition as the best in their respective roles. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect, who’s likely to take home the trophy, and the broader implications for the footballing world.
News Updates:
According to recent ESPN reports, Vinícius Júnior and other Real Madrid players will likely skip the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony. Sources indicate that Real Madrid’s camp suspects Manchester City’s Rodri might win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, diminishing the enthusiasm for their attendance. This decision aligns with discussions around Rodri’s key contributions to City’s historic treble-winning season, coupled with his standout performances for Spain. Vinícius and his team’s decision not to attend highlights the competitive anticipation around this year’s top football honor Sporting News.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, known for his prolific scoring and Champions League success, is another strong candidate. In a historic shift, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo is among the nominees, marking the first time in over two decades without one of these legends in the running UEFA.com 90min.com.
On the women’s side, nominees include Spanish World Cup winners like Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo, who played pivotal roles in Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory. Barcelona’s Bonmatí is especially favored due to her outstanding performances at both club and international levels UEFA.com.
This year’s awards will also feature categories for the best goalkeepers (Yashin Trophy) and best players under 21 (Kopa Trophy), among others, celebrating a wide range of footballing excellence across the globe 90min.com.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Ballon d’Or 2024
The Ballon d’Or ceremony, set for October 30, 2024, in Paris, will honor the world’s best players. Recognizing excellence in football, the awards are presented in various categories, including men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), and the Kopa Trophy (best under-21 player). This year, the competition has a fresh twist as some of the usual suspects, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, are absent, making room for emerging stars and new favorites.
The Ballon d’Or: A Brief History
First awarded in 1956, the Ballon d’Or has been synonymous with football greatness. Created by France Football, the award initially focused solely on European players but later expanded globally, with legends like George Weah, Ronaldinho, and Zinedine Zidane claiming the title. The women’s award, added in 2018, continues to grow in prominence, celebrating the rising stars in women’s football.
When Is the Ballon d’Or 2024 Ceremony?
The question on every fan’s mind: When is the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony? This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 30, 2024. The event is hosted annually in Paris, where the prestigious trophies are awarded to the best players globally.
What Time Is the Ballon d’Or Ceremony 2024?
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will kick off at 8:00 PM CET (Central European Time). For viewers across different time zones, this means tuning in around 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 11:00 AM Pacific Time (PT). Be sure to check local listings so you won’t miss a moment!
Where to Watch Ballon d’Or 2024
Wondering where to watch the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony? Major sports networks worldwide are expected to broadcast the event, including popular channels like ESPN and Sky Sports. Streaming platforms such as YouTube and France Football’s official website will likely offer live coverage for fans globally.
Top Contenders for the Men’s Award
Among the 30 nominated male players, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are top contenders due to their impressive performances in La Liga and the Champions League. Other standout nominees include Erling Haaland, who was instrumental in Manchester City’s recent successes, and Phil Foden, whose skill and creativity have made him a standout this season.
- Jude Bellingham – Known for his midfield prowess and game-changing plays, Bellingham is a leading candidate.
- Vinicius Junior – A brilliant forward, Vinicius has dazzled with his goal-scoring ability and creative flair.
- Erling Haaland – As a prolific scorer for Manchester City, Haaland has a strong chance at securing the award.
- Phil Foden – Recognized for his playmaking abilities, Foden is a key player in City’s lineup.
Key Female Nominees for Ballon d’Or
The women’s category sees fierce competition among World Cup stars. Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo lead the charge after their standout performances in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, with Bonmatí being the favorite due to her impressive skills and leadership on the field.
- Aitana Bonmatí – A pivotal player for both Barcelona and Spain, her skill and control on the pitch make her a strong candidate.
- Salma Paralluelo – Known for her versatility and speed, Paralluelo has been a game-changer in numerous matches.
- Lauren James – The Chelsea forward has also been a key player, bringing skill and power to her game.
Other Awards and Their Significance
The Ballon d’Or ceremony isn’t just about the best players. Other significant awards include:
- Yashin Trophy – Awarded to the best goalkeeper, with contenders like Emiliano Martinez and Mike Maignan.
- Kopa Trophy – Given to the best player under 21, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as a strong contender.
These awards highlight talent in various aspects of the game, acknowledging young and specialized players who contribute significantly to their teams.
Predicted Winners and Close Contenders
Based on performances, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Haaland are likely frontrunners for the men’s title, with Bonmatí and Paralluelo strong candidates for the women’s title. However, surprises are always possible, and the close competition could lead to unexpected results.
Nomination Process Explained
Nominees are selected by a specialized panel from France Football and L’Équipe, with input from journalists worldwide. The panel considers individual achievements, team success, and fair play, and each voter ranks players from first to tenth, distributing points based on their ranking. The player with the highest points total wins.
Notable Omissions
This year marks the first time in over 20 years that Messi and Ronaldo are not among the nominees. Messi’s absence is particularly notable, as he’s a recent Copa America champion. This exclusion has fueled discussions about shifting criteria and the rise of younger talents.
Impact of Ballon d’Or on Football
Winning a Ballon d’Or is more than just personal recognition; it often elevates a player’s career, enhances their market value, and can lead to new opportunities and endorsements. For young players, the Kopa Trophy can be a springboard to international stardom.
The Voting Process: How Winners are Chosen
Votes for the Ballon d’Or are cast by an international jury of journalists, with each country represented by one journalist from FIFA’s top-ranked nations. Players are awarded points based on their ranking on each ballot, ensuring a global perspective on football talent.
Controversies Surrounding Ballon d’Or
In recent years, some decisions have been controversial, with debates over the selection criteria, bias, and influence of media narratives on voting outcomes. This year’s omissions of Messi and Ronaldo may stir discussions, as fans speculate on criteria shifts favoring younger players.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d’Or awards promise an exciting evening, as new talents vie for football’s most prestigious honor. With players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Aitana Bonmatí, and others shining, this year’s ceremony may well mark the beginning of a new era in football greatness. As we await the results, the global football community watches eagerly to see who will emerge as the sport’s new icons.
FAQs
- When is the Ballon d’Or 2024?
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 30, 2024. - What time is the Ballon d’Or ceremony 2024?
The ceremony starts at 8:00 PM CET, which is 2:00 PM ET and 11:00 AM PT. - Who won the Ballon d’Or 2024?
The winners will be announced during the ceremony, with leading contenders being Jude Bellingham and Aitana Bonmatí. - Where to watch Ballon d’Or 2024?
You can catch the event on major sports networks like ESPN, Sky Sports, or online on YouTube and France Football’s official website. - What are the categories for Ballon d’Or awards?
Awards include the Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or, Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, and Kopa Trophy for best player under 21. - Why are Messi and Ronaldo not nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or?
This year marks the first time since 2002 without either Messi or Ronaldo, as France Football’s panel focused on emerging players and recent club achievements. - Who are the favorites for the men’s 2024 Ballon d’Or?
Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Erling Haaland are top favorites due to their excellent club and international performances. - Who is likely to win the women’s Ballon d’Or?
Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo are leading contenders after their impressive World Cup performances for Spain. - How are Ballon d’Or winners selected?
The awards are decided by an international jury of journalists, each ranking the top players, with points awarded based on each journalist’s ranking. - What other awards are presented at the Ballon d’Or ceremony?
Other notable awards include the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player, and club-specific accolades like Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year.
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