The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, is set to ignite a captivating race in 2024 as a new generation of superstars step up to claim the coveted trophy. With Lionel Messi’s reign finally coming to an end, the field is wide open for a new champion to emerge and cement their place among the game’s all-time greats.

Vinicius Jr: The Fearless Flyer

Vinicius Jr, the dynamic Brazilian winger plying his trade for Real Madrid, has emerged as an early frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The 23-year-old has been nothing short of sensational for Los Blancos, showcasing his blistering pace, dazzling dribbling skills, and clinical finishing ability. With 24 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season, Vinicius has firmly established himself as Real Madrid’s attacking talisman, leading the charge as they secured a league and Champions League double. His talismanic performances have not gone unnoticed, and the young Brazilian’s relentless determination and fearless approach to the game have made him a fan favorite both in Spain and on the international stage.

However, Vinicius’ Ballon d’Or aspirations could hinge on his performances at the Copa America this summer. While he has been a regular for the Brazilian national team, his international goal tally of just three in 28 caps pales in comparison to his club exploits. If he can replicate his club form on the international stage and guide Brazil to glory, Vinicius will undoubtedly cement his status as a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or.

Jude Bellingham: The Midfield Maestro

Another player who has firmly established himself as a frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old English midfielder has taken the European stage by storm since his move to Real Madrid, proving to be an invaluable asset for both his club and country.

Bellingham’s remarkable versatility, coupled with his exceptional technical abilities and relentless work rate, have made him a dominant force in midfield. With 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions this season, the young Englishman has played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s pursuit of silverware.1His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and contribute in both the attacking and defensive phases has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest midfielders of the modern era.

The upcoming European Championship in 2024 could be the stage where Bellingham truly solidifies his Ballon d’Or credentials. As a key player for an England side tipped as one of the tournament favorites, the 20-year-old will have the opportunity to showcase his talents on the biggest international stage.2If he can lead the Three Lions to glory and continue his scintillating club form, Bellingham will be in pole position to claim the prestigious individual award.

Kylian Mbappe: The Relentless Goalscorer

Kylian Mbappe, the mercurial French forward, has long been tipped as a future Ballon d’Or winner, and 2024 could be the year he finally fulfills that prophecy. The Paris Saint-Germain star has been a dominant force in Ligue 1, leading the league in goals and assists, and his performances have continued to captivate the global audience.

Mbappe’s combination of blistering pace, clinical finishing, and exceptional technical ability have made him one of the most feared attackers in world football. However, the 24-year-old’s ability to perform on the biggest stages has been called into question, with his Champions League displays often failing to match his domestic exploits.

The 2024 European Championship could provide Mbappe with the perfect opportunity to silence his critics and cement his status as the best player in the world. As the talisman of a French national team aiming to defend their title, the Parisian prodigy will have the chance to showcase his talent on the international stage and lead his country to glory. If he can deliver a standout performance and guide France to victory, Mbappe’s path to the Ballon d’Or will be well-paved.

Harry Kane: The Relentless Goalscorer

Despite plying his trade in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, Harry Kane has emerged as a serious contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The English striker’s relentless goalscoring exploits have continued unabated, with the 30-year-old netting 44 goals in all competitions this season.

Kane’s ability to find the back of the net, coupled with his exceptional hold-up play and vision, have made him an invaluable asset for both club and country. However, the lack of a major trophy this season with Bayern Munich could potentially hinder his Ballon d’Or aspirations, as the award often favors players who have won significant silverware.

The 2024 European Championship could be Kane’s best chance to lift the Ballon d’Or trophy. As the captain and talisman of an England side brimming with talent, the striker will have the opportunity to showcase his world-class abilities on the international stage.3If he can lead the Three Lions to glory and cement his status as one of the best players in the world, Kane’s Ballon d’Or credentials will be difficult to ignore.

Florian Wirtz: The Midfield Maestro

Florian Wirtz, the young midfield maestro plying his trade for Bayer Leverkusen, has emerged as a dark horse in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The 21-year-old German has been the driving force behind Leverkusen’s exceptional domestic campaign, leading the club to an historic unbeaten season and a domestic double.

Wirtz’s remarkable vision, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made him a standout performer in the Bundesliga, and his performances have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. As a key player for the German national team, the young midfielder will have the chance to showcase his talent at the 2024 European Championship and potentially cement his place as one of the best players in the world.

However, Wirtz’s Ballon d’Or aspirations may be hindered by the fact that he plays for a club outside the traditional European powerhouses. Despite his individual brilliance, the lack of exposure and the perception of a “smaller” club may work against him in the eyes of the voters. Nevertheless, a standout performance at the Euros and continued excellence with Leverkusen could propel Wirtz into the Ballon d’Or conversation and potentially secure him a place among the game’s elite.

Phil Foden: The Prodigious Talent

Phil Foden, the young Manchester City midfielder, has been tipped as a future Ballon d’Or winner, and 2024 could be the year he finally fulfills that potential. The 23-year-old has been a key figure in Manchester City’s continued domestic dominance, contributing 27 goals and 12 assists across all competitions this season.

Foden’s exceptional technical ability, vision, and versatility have made him an invaluable asset for Pep Guardiola’s side, and his performances have been crucial in their pursuit of trophies. However, the attentions of his teammates and the wealth of talent within the Manchester City squad could potentially hinder his individual recognition.

The 2024 European Championship could be Foden’s best opportunity to step out of the shadows and establish himself as a true global superstar. As a key player for an England side brimming with young talent, the midfielder will have the chance to showcase his abilities on the international stage and potentially lead the Three Lions to glory. If he can deliver standout performances and guide his country to the title, Foden’s Ballon d’Or credentials will be difficult to ignore.

Lionel Messi: The Eternal Maestro

Despite his advanced age and the move to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi remains a contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Argentine legend’s unparalleled skill, vision, and goal-scoring prowess have continued to captivate audiences around the world, and his performances in the MLS have been nothing short of remarkable.

Messi’s first full season in the United States has seen him become the league’s leading goal scorer, and his influence on the Inter Miami side has been undeniable. However, the perception of the MLS as a less competitive league compared to Europe’s top divisions may work against him in the Ballon d’Or voting. Nevertheless, Messi’s enduring class and his potential to guide Argentina to a successful defense of their Copa America title in 2024 could still keep him in the running for the prestigious individual award. If the 36-year-old can deliver another standout performance on the international stage and lead his country to glory, his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time may secure him a ninth Ballon d’Or trophy.

Erling Haaland: The Unstoppable Force

Erling Haaland, the Norwegian sensation plying his trade with Manchester City, is another player who will be eager to claim the Ballon d’Or in 2024. The 23-year-old striker’s goal-scoring exploits have been nothing short of extraordinary, with the young Norwegian netting an incredible 52 goals in 53 appearances for the Premier League champions this season.

Haaland’s combination of physical dominance, clinical finishing, and remarkable goal-scoring instinct have made him one of the most feared strikers in world football. However, his failure to make a significant impact in Manchester City’s Champions League and FA Cup triumphs this season may work against him in the Ballon d’Or voting.

The 2024 European Championship could be Haaland’s chance to prove his worth on the international stage and solidify his claim for the Ballon d’Or. As the spearhead of a Norway side aiming to make their mark on the tournament, the young striker will have the opportunity to showcase his world-class abilities and potentially lead his country to glory. If he can deliver a standout performance and guide Norway to a successful campaign, Haaland’s Ballon d’Or aspirations will be further bolstered.

Declan Rice: The Defensive Anchor

Declan Rice, the versatile Arsenal midfielder, has emerged as a dark horse in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The 24-year-old Englishman has been a pivotal figure for both his club and country, showcasing his defensive prowess, passing ability, and goal-scoring touch.

Rice’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game, break up opposition attacks, and contribute in the final third have made him an invaluable asset for the Gunners. His performances this season, which have included 7 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League, have been a testament to his well-rounded skillset.

The 2024 European Championship could be the stage where Rice truly stamps his authority on the international stage and solidifies his place among the world’s elite. As a key player for an England side brimming with talent, the midfielder will have the opportunity to showcase his defensive acumen and his ability to influence the game from the heart of midfield.1If he can deliver a dominant performance and help guide the Three Lions to glory, Rice’s Ballon d’Or credentials will be difficult to ignore.

Bernardo Silva: The Silky Playmaker

Bernardo Silva, the Manchester City midfielder, has quietly emerged as a contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Portuguese playmaker’s consistent performances and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game have made him an indispensable member of Pep Guardiola’s side.

With 39 goals and 42 assists in his Premier League career, Silva has proven that he is not just a creative force but also a reliable goal threat. His ability to link up with his teammates, create chances, and contribute in both the attacking and defensive phases of the game have been crucial to Manchester City’s continued success. However, Silva’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or may be hindered by the wealth of talent within the Manchester City squad, as well as the fact that he has yet to make a significant impact on the international stage with Portugal. Nevertheless, if he can continue his impressive form at the club level and potentially lead Portugal to glory at the 2024 European Championship, Silva’s Ballon d’Or credentials will be difficult to ignore.

The Contenders’ Path to Glory

As the 2024 Ballon d’Or race heats up, each of the contenders will be eager to showcase their talents on the biggest stages. The upcoming European Championship and Copa America tournaments will be crucial in determining the eventual winner, as these international competitions often hold significant sway in the voting process. Players like Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane will be aiming to lead their respective national teams to glory, knowing that a successful tournament campaign could propel them to the top of the Ballon d’Or rankings. Meanwhile, dark horses like Florian Wirtz and Declan Rice will be looking to seize the opportunity to showcase their abilities on the international stage and potentially upset the more established superstars. Lionel Messi’s continued excellence in the MLS and his potential to guide Argentina to another Copa America title could also keep him in the running for a record-breaking ninth Ballon d’Or trophy. And Erling Haaland, the unstoppable goal machine, will be eager to prove his worth on the international stage and cement his status as one of the world’s best players.

Ultimately, the 2024 Ballon d’Or race promises to be a captivating and fiercely contested affair, with a new generation of superstars eager to claim the coveted trophy and cement their place among the game’s all-time greats. The coming months will be filled with intense competition, breathtaking performances, and a relentless pursuit of individual glory.