Football

Ballon d’Or 2024: A Look at This Year’s Nominees

Michael Davis

The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations have been announced, featuring some of the world’s top football talent. Leading the pack are Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, Manchester City’s Rodri, and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí. While the list celebrates outstanding performances, it also contains notable absences, particularly Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who haven’t missed a nomination since 2003. This year’s shortlist represents players and teams that have excelled at both the club and international levels, including those who triumphed at the UEFA Euro 2024, Copa América, and the Champions League.

Men’s Ballon d’Or Nominees

The prestigious Men’s Ballon d’Or award, given to the best male footballer as voted by journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, has an exciting list of contenders. Some of the most recognizable names include:

  • Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
  • Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
  • Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)
  • Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid)
  • Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
  • Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)

The top two contenders are Vinícius Júnior, who played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s success in La Liga and the Champions League, and Rodri, whose contributions helped Manchester City secure the Premier League title and Spain win Euro 2024.

Women’s Ballon d’Or Nominees

In the women’s category, the best female footballer will be selected by journalists representing the top 50 FIFA-ranked countries in women’s football. This year’s lineup features many global superstars, including:

  • Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)
  • Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)
  • Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)
  • Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)
  • Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)

Aitana Bonmatí is heavily favored to win this year, given her incredible season with Barcelona, where she won multiple titles, including the Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and the Spanish Women’s Super Cup.

Yashin Trophy Nominees

Alongside the Ballon d’Or, the Yashin Trophy will be awarded to the best goalkeeper. This year’s nominees are:

  • Diogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)
  • Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
  • Mike Maignan (France, Milan)
  • Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)

Emiliano Martínez, known for his stellar performances with Argentina and Aston Villa, is seen as a top contender for this year’s award, alongside France’s Mike Maignan.

Notable Omissions

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations is the exclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two football legends who have dominated the award for nearly two decades. This marks the first time since 2003 that neither has been shortlisted, signaling a new era in world football. Additionally, Real Madrid’s rising star Rodrygo also missed out on a nomination, despite a strong season.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 28, 2024, and the football world is eagerly anticipating the crowning of the best players in the sport. With top-tier talents across all categories, the competition is fiercer than ever