When is the Ballon d’Or 2024 announced? Date and odds for this year’s gong
We are currently in the midst of football awards season in 2024, as anticipation grows over who will receive the coveted Ballon d’Or award this year.
Many talented players stood out during the last season, showcasing their skills during the exciting matches of Euro 2024 and the Copa America. The list of standout performers is getting shorter as we evaluate their performances.
Lionel Messi was awarded the accolade last year after his outstanding performance at the 2022 World Cup, where he led Argentina to their first world championship since 1986.
Yet, the choice sparked much debate because of Messi's disappointing season on his club team compared to Erling Haaland, who excelled in scoring goals and achieved a treble with Manchester City.
This year it is more difficult to anticipate and the champion will remain unknown until the event, happening on Monday, October 28th.
You can check out the latest Ballon d'Or odds on the Paddy Power website and app, or keep reading for information on the top contenders.
Lionel Messi posing with the Ballon d'Or award
Paddy Power's expert traders have listed the top favorites to win the Ballon d'Or 2024.
The Brazilian player is the favorite to win this year's Ballon d'Or award, thanks to his key contributions to Real Madrid's victories in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
The player who plays on the wing scored the most important goal in the final of the European competition and scored a total of 24 goals in all matches. His smooth skills and powerful ability to score goals puts him in a strong position to succeed.
Will Brazil's underwhelming performance in the Copa America hurt their chances of winning?
He may not always get the recognition he deserves, but many would argue that Rodri has been the key player in Manchester City's midfield, even with stars like Kevin de Bruyne.
The talented midfielder played a crucial part in Spain's victory at Euro 2024, propelling him to the top of the list of contenders for football's most prestigious award.
The Spanish player ended up in fifth place in the rankings last season, behind his teammate in the midfield. However, due to De Bruyne being absent for a large part of last season, Rodri is now a strong contender for the award this season.
It's not a shock that top players like Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid and England are still in the running for the top prize.
After transferring to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for £88 million, Bellingham has performed exceptionally well in all competitions, scoring a total of 23 goals in 42 club games.
Even with Kylian Mbappe joining in the summer, he is still a crucial player in Carlo Ancelotti's offensive strategy. He is frequently targeted with passes into the box and has proven to be a successful goal scorer, playing a vital role in both last season's La Liga and Champions League triumphs.
The player in the defensive position on the right side was important in helping Real Madrid win both the La Liga and Champions League in 2024. He even scored a goal during the European tournament to contribute to their victory. He solidified his successful season by also winning the Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team.
Carvajal has been performing exceptionally well for a long time, and this year has been his most successful so far. He is currently dominating the competition in the outside pick market.
The up-and-coming talent made a big impact at Euro 2024, solidifying his reputation by scoring an amazing goal in the semi-final at the age of only 16.
Yamal continued his impressive performance by helping Spain defeat England 2-1 in the final game with an assist. As a result, he was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament for his outstanding efforts.
A strong beginning of the season with Barcelona could put him in contention for the Ballon d'Or.
The list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2024 has been released, featuring 30 players.
Jude Bellingham from England and Real Madrid, Ruben Dias from Portugal and Manchester City, Phil Foden from England and Manchester City, Federico Valverde from Uruguay and Real Madrid, Emiliano Martinez from Argentina and Aston Villa, Erling Haaland from Norway and Manchester City, Nico Williams from Spain and Athletic Bilbao, Granit Xhaka from Switzerland and Bayer Leverkusen, Artem Dovbyk from Ukraine and Roma, former Germany player Toni Kroos from Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr from Brazil and Real Madrid, Dani Olmo from Spain and Barcelona, Florian Wirtz from Germany and Bayer Leverkusen, Martin Odegaard from Norway and Arsenal, Mats Hummels from Germany (currently a free agent), Rodri from Spain and Manchester City, Harry Kane from England and Bayern Munich, Declan Rice from England and Arsenal, Vitinha from Portugal and Paris St-Germain, Cole Palmer from England and Chelsea, Dani Carvajal from Spain and Real Madrid, Lamine Yamal from Spain and Barcelona, Bukayo Saka from England and Arsenal, Hakan Calhanoglu from Turkey and Inter Milan, William Saliba from France and Arsenal, Kylian Mbappe from France and Real Madrid, Lautaro Martinez from Argentina and Inter Milan, Ademola Lookman from Nigeria and Atalanta, Antonio Rudiger from Germany and Real Madrid, Alejandro Grimaldo from Spain and Bayer Leverkusen.
