The Favourites to Win the Ballon d’Or 2024 – Ranked
Lionel Messi made history in 2023 by securing his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or, a result that surprised no one. His legendary leadership in guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 only solidified his claim as one of the greatest footballers to have ever graced the sport.
However, in 2024, a new name will be engraved on the Ballon d’Or trophy. With both Messi and his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo absent from the nominations, a fresh batch of stars will vie for football’s most prestigious individual prize for the very first time. The competition is wide open, with many top players across Europe eager to seize the opportunity.
While the Ballon d’Or winner is set to be announced in two weeks’ time, on 28 October, votes will be cast based on performances between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024. Yet, as with most individual awards, the Ballon d’Or often involves more than just statistics and achievements – popularity also plays a role.
The trophies have been quite spread out, to make matters more difficult to predict. For instance, Vinicius played a huge role in Real Madrid’s UCL triumph, but Brazil disappointed at the Copa America. By contrast, Lamine Yamal did not win either La Liga or the Champions League with Barcelona, but achieved continental glory with Spain.
Having said all that, here are EPLNews’ top 10 favourites for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
10. Phil Foden (Manchester City, England)
Phil Foden truly came into his own during the 2023/24 season. With Ilkay Gundogan leaving and Kevin De Bruyne sidelined for the first half of the campaign due to injury, Pep Guardiola needed another standout performer to rise to the occasion. Foden did not disappoint, stepping up with remarkable consistency.
His dazzling footwork and samba-style creativity in tight spaces made him a key player in Manchester City’s title-winning campaign. He delivered standout performances in crucial moments, including two goals in the Manchester derby and another on the final day against West Ham. Although his performance at Euro 2024 was less inspiring, reaching the final with England still adds weight to his case.
9. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)
Toni Kroos bid farewell to the footballing world after Euro 2024, retiring with the elegance of an artist laying down his final brushstroke. His high ranking here is not merely sentimental; Kroos was exceptional throughout the season, playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph.
Known for his unparalleled passing ability, Kroos continued to dictate the tempo for Los Blancos with ease. Even in his final year, there was no pass beyond his capability.
8. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Harry Kane’s first season at Bayern Munich was marked by goals, though, curiously, they didn’t contribute to any major trophies. Kane made an immediate impact in Bavaria, coming tantalisingly close to breaking Robert Lewandowski’s single-season Bundesliga goal record. He netted 36 goals in just 32 games, but Bayern ended the season without silverware.
Kane also contributed three goals for England during Euro 2024, though his overall performances led to criticism, with many feeling that his display up front hindered the team’s progress. Still, Kane remains a lethal goalscorer, and that ability keeps him in the running.
7. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)
It seems only a matter of time before Kylian Mbappe finally gets his hands on the Ballon d’Or. The French superstar has consistently finished in the top ten since 2017, with his third-place finish in 2023 being his best result to date. Known for his big-game performances, Mbappe’s hat-trick in the World Cup final remains fresh in the minds of many.
Despite a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, his recent move to Real Madrid may set the stage for future individual success. His goal-scoring prowess and ability to rise to the occasion make him a perennial favourite.
6. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
Lamine Yamal’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of astonishing. Still in the early stages of his professional career, the Barcelona youngster has left opponents scratching their heads, struggling to devise a strategy to contain him.
Yamal has shattered records, becoming the youngest player to score in European Championship history with a stunning goal against France in the semi-final. He went on to win both the Young Player of the Tournament and Goal of the Tournament awards, capping off an incredible summer with Spain’s Euro 2024 title. As a teenager, his potential is limitless, but Barcelona must be cautious not to overload him too soon.
5. Lautaro Martinez (Inter, Argentina)
After years on the verge of stardom, Lautaro Martinez finally realised his potential in 2023/24. The Argentine forward’s consistency throughout the season saw him claim the Capocannoniere crown, awarded to Serie A’s top scorer.
Martinez played a pivotal role in Inter’s dominance in Serie A, and he carried his brilliant form into the Copa America. He not only lifted the trophy but also finished the tournament as the top scorer with five goals, including the match-winner in the final.
4. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Jude Bellingham’s debut season at Real Madrid has been nothing short of spectacular. The English midfielder quickly transitioned from ‘wonderkid’ to ‘superstar,’ thriving under the immense pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bellingham’s performances for both Real Madrid and the England national team at Euro 2024 have been unforgettable. With silverware already under his belt, the 21-year-old is poised to be a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or.
3. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain)
Few would have predicted Dani Carvajal’s Ballon d’Or candidacy at the start of last season. Even the right-back himself likely didn’t foresee just how pivotal he would become in Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga triumphs.
Carvajal opened the scoring in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, helping Real Madrid lift the coveted trophy for the sixth time in his career. He was also a key player for Spain as they claimed Euro 2024, with his leadership crucial in guiding a relatively young squad.
With an ACL injury threatening his 2024/25 season, this may be his best shot at individual glory.
2. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Vinicius Junior’s dazzling displays have become more frequent in recent seasons, solidifying his place among the world’s elite. Though Jude Bellingham captured some of the headlines in 2023/24, Vinicius reached new heights after his midseason return from injury.
The Brazilian winger delivered in critical moments, particularly in the Champions League, where he scored a brace in the semi-final against Bayern Munich and netted the winning goal in the final. His electric pace and skill make him one of the best footballers on the planet.
It’s also interesting that, according to Spanish publication Marca (via Goal), Vinicius has already been informed that he’ll be the Ballon d’Or winner this year. Time will tell.
1. Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Despite his role as a defensive midfielder, a position rarely recognized in Ballon d’Or voting, Rodri’s consistency in 2023/24 demands recognition. In his career-best campaign, he was the driving force behind Manchester City’s dominance and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
Rodri scored crucial goals, including City’s title-clinching strike on the final day of the Premier League season and was instrumental for Spain at Euro 2024. His midfield partnership with Fabian Ruiz helped Spain lift the trophy, and he earned the Player of the Tournament award. Unfortunately, like Carvajal, an ACL injury means this is likely his best shot at the Ballon d’Or.