Who will be named the best player in 2024?
The battle for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award is heating up, especially after Real Madrid’s incredible UEFA Champions League triumph against Borussia Dortmund putting Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham at the top of the favourites list.
With the date and time of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony finally revealed, here is everything you need to know about this year’s award
Who are the 2024 Ballon d'Or favourites?
Among the top contenders for the 2024 Ballon d'Or are several standout players. Vinicius Jr. had an exceptional season with Real Madrid, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists, contributing significantly to their La Liga and Champions League victories.
Bellingham, also from Real Madrid, had a sensational debut season, scoring 19 La Liga goals and showcasing versatility across multiple positions.
Veteran midfielder Toni Kroos, who had a stellar season with impressive statistics, is also a strong candidate, especially with the possibility of leading Germany to success at Euro 2024.
Kylian Mbappe, despite playing for PSG, remains a contender with his impressive goal-scoring record. Lastly, Harry Kane, who had a remarkable debut season with Bayern Munich, could also be in the running if he achieves success with England at Euro 2024.
Most iconic Ballon d’Or winners
Initially, only European players were eligible, with Sir Stanley Matthews winning the inaugural award. The eligibility was expanded in 1995 to include players from all over the world, with Liberia’s George Weah being the first non-European recipient.
Over the years, the award has seen changes, including a brief merger with FIFA's annual prize and a shift to align with the football season rather than the calendar year. Other notable past winners include Lionel Messi, who has won the award a record eight times and is the current holder, as well as legendary Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award an astonishing five times.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are currently tied for the most Ballon d’Ors won by a club, while, Messi’s eight awards have helped Argentina stand out as the country with the most award recipients.
When are the 2024 Ballon d'Or Awards?
The 2024 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony will be held on Monday, October 28, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France. The event is scheduled to begin at 8 pm local time (6 pm CAT time).
Where Can I Watch the 2024 Ballon d'Or Awards?
The Ballon d'Or awards ceremony will be streamed live for free on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel. This makes it accessible to football fans around the world, eager to see who will be crowned the best player of the year.
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