The wait is finally over as the nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or are set to be unveiled today.
And, in a shocking twist, it’s likely that the current holder and eight-time winner, Lionel Messi, won’t even make the podium this time around. This means we can expect a new face to take home the coveted award next month.
Real Madrid and Spain players are expected to dominate the list, thanks to their impressive performances in recent competitions. Vinicius Jr, who has been vocal about his desire to win the award, is among the top contenders, alongside Rodri and Jude Bellingham ¹. Manchester City’s goal-scoring machine, Erling Haaland, is also in the running, despite Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024.
*The Power Rankings*
According to the latest power rankings, the top 20 candidates for the 2024 Ballon d’Or are:
*1. Rodri* (Manchester City, Spain) – The midfielder has been instrumental in Manchester City’s success, with impressive performances in the Premier League and Champions League.
*2. Vinicius Jr* (Real Madrid, Brazil) – The young forward has been on fire, scoring crucial goals for Real Madrid and Brazil.
*3. Jude Bellingham* (Real Madrid, England) – The English midfielder has been a revelation for Real Madrid, with his skills and work rate making him a fan favorite.
Other notable contenders include Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England), Lautaro Martinez (Inter, Argentina), and Phil Foden (Manchester City, England). The full list of nominees will be revealed today, and we can’t wait to see who makes the cut.
