As the 2024-25 club football season kicks into high gear, the world's top players will be under intense scrutiny as they vie for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The sport has seen a significant shift in the past year, with several emerging talents making their mark in recent months.
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As the 2024-25 club football season gains momentum, the world's top players will be under the spotlight as they compete for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The past year has seen a shift in the sport, with several new talents emerging and making their mark in recent months.
Real Madrid and Manchester City have been at the forefront of European football discussions this year. Pep Guardiola's team dominated English football last season, while Los Blancos continued their dominance in Europe's top competition.
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Ballon d'Or set to feature Euro and Copa America stars
Spain's impressive run to the Euro 2024 title may place some of their players on the Ballon d'Or podium. Lamine Yamal had a standout Euro campaign but is still working to establish himself as a regular in Barcelona's first team.Meanwhile, Argentina successfully defended their Copa America title this year, raising questions about whether their iconic captain will be featured in this year's award ceremony. Here are the current favorites to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
#5 Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina)
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Messi has been impressive for club and country |
Lionel Messi Lionel Messi is nearing the twilight of his illustrious career and seems poised to establish a new legacy at Inter Miami. The former Barcelona icon has once again become the driving force for his team and is arguably the first MLS player to remain a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or.
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Messi has netted 12 goals and provided nine assists in just 12 MLS appearances this season. Inter Miami boasts an impressive winning percentage with the Argentine in their lineup, heavily relying on their veteran playmaker. Additionally, Messi played a crucial role in Argentina's Copa America victory this year, contributing one goal and one assist in five matches. While the odds may be against him, the magician could still fight his way back into the Ballon d'Or race.
#4 Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/Argentina)
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Lautaro Martinez has been brilliant this year |
Lautaro Martinez is often overlooked as a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or this year, but his impact cannot be understated. While he may not be the most versatile player on the list, his exceptional goal-scoring abilities more than compensate for any perceived weaknesses.
Last season, Martinez netted an impressive 24 goals for Inter Milan in Serie A, playing a pivotal role in securing the league title. As he prepares to lead the line for the Nerazzurri once again, his chances in the Ballon d'Or race could grow even stronger. Additionally, Martinez contributed five goals to Argentina's Copa America campaign, helping secure his third international trophy. Currently one of Serie A's most potent forwards, Martinez is enjoying an extraordinary run of form.
#3 Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
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Jude Bellingham has emerged as Real Madrid's talisman |
With seven late goals for both club and country last season, Jude Bellingham has established himself as a clutch player. The Real Madrid star secured as many as 10 points for his club with his decisive late strikes.
Although Bellingham didn't reach his peak at Euro 2024, the English midfielder still demonstrated his goal-scoring instincts with another crucial late goal against Slovakia. Real Madrid are once again competing on multiple fronts this season, and they'll be relying on their young star to continue his scoring heroics. Jude Bellingham is currently one of the best players in world football and could be a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or with a few more standout performances this season.
#2 Rodri (Manchester City/Spain)
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Rodri has been Spain's midfield lynchpin |
Rodri may not boast the goalscoring stats of his Ballon d'Or competitors, but his prowess as a midfielder sets him apart. The Manchester City star has been masterful on the ball over the past year, playing a crucial role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory.
His midfield dominance, alongside a technically gifted squad, allowed Spain to outclass their opponents throughout the tournament. For his outstanding performances, Rodri was awarded the 'Player of the Tournament' at Euro 2024. At Manchester City, he serves as Pep Guardiola's key figure in midfield, growing in influence under the Catalan manager. After securing the Premier League title last season, Rodri is now among the leading contenders for this year's Ballon d'Or.
#1 Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid/Brazil)
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Vinicius Junior has been impressive for Real Madrid |
Real Madrid claimed yet another UEFA Champions League title last season, with their Brazilian winger playing a pivotal role in the knockout stages. Vinicius Junior dominated Europe's premier competition, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
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