The anticipation for the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is reaching a fever pitch as football’s elite prepare to compete for the sport’s most coveted individual honor. Marking the 68th edition of this prestigious award, this year’s competition is particularly intriguing due to the notable absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the shortlist. These two football legends, who have dominated the Ballon d’Or for years—Messi as an eight-time winner and Ronaldo with five wins—are no longer in contention, paving the way for new talents to shine. As the spotlight shifts, fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will emerge triumphant in this new era of recognition.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 28, at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, with a live broadcast beginning at 19:00 GMT. This year, the voting process is being managed by France Football in collaboration with UEFA, ensuring a comprehensive and transparent assessment of the nominees. As the day approaches, football supporters around the world are preparing to tune in, eager to witness the announcements and the celebration of excellence in the sport. The changes in the nomination landscape signal a significant shift, granting a more diverse range of players an opportunity to claim the prestigious accolade.
In terms of the contenders for the men’s award, Vinicius Junior is emerging as the favorite, thanks to his pivotal role in Real Madrid’s successful campaign last season, which culminated in a Champions League victory. His spectacular performances have solidified his status as a leading candidate for the award. Close competition comes from Rodri, who was instrumental in Manchester City’s Premier League success and played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, even being named Player of the Tournament. Jude Bellingham’s consistent displays in midfield are also noteworthy, as he stands alongside Rodri as a serious contender. Adding to the mix, Dani Carvajal has been highlighted as a dark horse, with significant achievements in Champions League and La Liga that have warranted his nomination.
In the female category, the Ballon d’Or Féminin is gearing up for another round of excitement, with Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí as the clear favorite to clinch back-to-back wins. Bonmatí’s impressive track record, both at the club level and on the international stage, positions her as a strong frontrunner. However, she faces stiff competition from her Barcelona teammate Caroline Graham Hansen and Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon, who are also in contention for this prestigious award. The women’s side of the competition reflects the increasing talent and competitiveness in women’s football, as more players gain recognition for their outstanding performances.
Additionally, the Kopa Trophy, which honors the best player under 21, will also be awarded during the ceremony, and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona is widely anticipated to take home this honor. His exceptional contributions played a vital role in Spain’s triumph in the European Championship, establishing him as a standout talent. Other notable nominees for the award include Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United, though expectations are high for Yamal to succeed. This recognition highlights the emergence of youth talent in football and the importance of nurturing young players as future stars of the game.
Finally, the 2024 Yashin Trophy will recognize the world’s top goalkeeper, with Emiliano Martínez being a primary contender. Having already made a significant impact by helping his club secure Champions League qualification and leading Argentina to Copa América success, Martínez is in strong contention for consecutive wins. Gianluigi Donnarumma, a former winner, also finds himself on the shortlist, but notable absences this year include renowned keepers Alisson and Thibaut Courtois, signaling a possible shift in elite goalkeeping recognition. Fans eager to catch the action can watch the ceremony live on L’Équipe’s YouTube channel, where the event will be streamed for free, ensuring widespread access for football enthusiasts around the world.
