The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is just around the corner, happening on October 28 at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris. This year’s event is special because, for the first time in 20 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo is nominated for the award. This opens up an opportunity for a new player to be recognized as the best footballer in the world.
Top Contenders
Real Madrid’s star winger Vinicius Jr. is currently the favorite to win the award. He helped his team win both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, scoring in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, leading to a 2-0 victory.
However, he is facing strong competition from Manchester City’s talented midfielder Rodri. Rodri played a important role in helping City win the Premier League title four times in a row, maintaining an unbeaten streak of 74 matches, which ended in the FA Cup final. He also contributed to Spain’s success in Euro 2024, where the team won the championship. Recent polls show Rodri with 28% support from fans, while Vinicius has 22%.
Other players gaining attention include Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. Palmer had an impressive first season with Chelsea, and Saka received nominations for his consistent performances.
How Voting Works
The Ballon d’Or is decided by journalists from the top 100 countries in FIFA’s rankings. Each journalist votes for their ten favorite players. This voting system, used since 2022, focuses on players’ performances from the previous European season, making it more relevant to recent achievements.
What to Expect
This year’s ceremony will also announce other awards, including the best women’s player, best young footballer, and best goalkeeper.
Fans can look forward to watching the live broadcast to see who becomes the new champion of football. With Messi and Ronaldo absent, it’s a perfect opportunity for a new star to shine in the world of football.
