Ballon d'Or 2024 Power Rankings: Final Stretch Contenders and Pretenders
The race for the Ballon d’Or 2024 is heating up. With the football season in Europe wrapped up, attention now shifts to the biggest international tournaments of the summer. So, who are the true contenders, and who are merely pretenders?
While club games in Europe have concluded, the competition remains fierce. The European Championship and Copa America are showcasing the majority of the world’s top players, adding another layer of excitement to this year’s Ballon d’Or race.
1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
In the 2023-24 season, Jude Bellingham tallied 27 goals and 16 assists, playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s triumphs in the Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de España.
Bellingham’s transition to Real Madrid was nothing short of spectacular, drawing comparisons to the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival. His ability to consistently score crucial goals made him stand out as the best footballer in the world during the first half of the season.
Despite facing setbacks in early 2024 due to injuries and suspensions, Bellingham reignited his bid for the Ballon d’Or with a relentless performance against Manchester City in the Champions League. He also delivered a second stoppage-time winner in El Clasico.
At Euro 2024, Bellingham’s contributions have been vital for England, including a last-minute overhead kick against Slovakia in the last 16 to keep the Three Lions’ hopes alive. With just two wins away from international glory, Bellingham is edging closer to a potential Golden Ball, showcasing his exceptional talent and resilience on the global stage.
2. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Jr's Rollercoaster Season: From Triumphs to Heartbreak
In the 2023-24 season, Vinicius Jr. tallied 26 goals and 12 assists, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s victories in the Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de España.
Despite an injury-riddled start following Karim Benzema’s departure, Vinicius found his stride, delivering a hat-trick in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona and showcasing his goal-scoring prowess in La Liga. His standout performances in the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich and his crucial goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley solidified his status as one of the best.
However, his summer took an unexpected turn. Vinicius scored twice in the Copa America group stages against Paraguay but then faced suspension, missing Brazil’s quarter-final against Uruguay. Forced to watch from the stands, he saw his team lose on penalties, potentially opening the door for another player to claim the Ballon d’Or.
3. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappe: A Stellar Season with PSG and a New Beginning at Real Madrid
In the 2023-24 season, Kylian Mbappe delivered an outstanding performance with 52 goals and 20 assists, leading Paris Saint-Germain to victories in Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the Trophee des Champions.
The long-awaited transfer saga has concluded, confirming Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid. His goals were instrumental in securing a third consecutive Ligue 1 title for PSG. However, his quest for European glory was cut short in the Champions League semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund.
As Mbappe transitioned to his new chapter at Real Madrid, his focus shifted to Euro 2024 with France. Despite early struggles due to a broken nose, the masked Mbappe and Les Bleus have reached the semi-finals. The big stage may be where Mbappe truly shines, showcasing his talent and resilience as he aims for international success.
4. Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri: The Heart of Manchester City and Spain's Midfield Maestro
In the 2023-24 season, Rodri showcased his immense value with 12 goals and 15 assists, helping Manchester City secure the Premier League, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup titles.
Until the FA Cup final, Rodri had gone over a year without tasting defeat inside 90 minutes for Manchester City, underscoring his critical role in the team’s success. His absence was keenly felt, as City lost each of the first three Premier League games he missed in 2023-24.
Recognized as the best defensive midfielder in the world, Rodri has not only excelled in his primary role but also developed a knack for scoring crucial goals and providing key assists. His strike that clinched the Premier League title for City is just one example of his growing influence.
At Euro 2024, Rodri continues to be a pivotal figure for a talented Spain team. His goal against Georgia in the last 16 added to his reputation for delivering game-changing moments, catching the attention of fans and Ballon d’Or voters alike.
5. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane: Record-Breaking Season with Bayern Munich but Trophy Wait Continues
In the 2023-24 season, Harry Kane delivered an incredible performance with 51 goals and 14 assists for Bayern Munich.
Kane’s move to Bayern was anticipated to finally bring him the first trophy of his career, but the Bavarians ended the season without any silverware. They lost the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen and were eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
Despite the team’s disappointments, Kane’s goal-scoring prowess was undeniable, averaging more than a goal per game in the league for Bayern. However, these efforts seemed to have taken a toll on the England captain. At Euro 2024, he has appeared fatigued, though he has managed to score twice in five games.
Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or after clinching the 2023 prize in Paris, capping off a season where he finally lifted the World Cup. However, the football world has moved on, and all eyes are now on the 2024 prize.
The 2023 battle was defined by Messi’s World Cup triumph and Erling Haaland’s dominance at Manchester City. This year, international tournaments could significantly influence the Ballon d’Or outcome. Additionally, there’s growing speculation about a potential winner from outside Europe’s major leagues, as more top talents join emerging leagues globally. For more insights on the latest football news, check out ESPN, BBC Sport, and Sky Sports.
