The End of the Ronaldo-Messi Era
For years, fans witnessed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominating football, particularly in the 2024 Ballon d’Or race. Together, they claimed the award 13 times between 2008 and 2023. However, in 2024, for the first time in years, neither Messi nor Ronaldo will be nominated, opening the door for a new era of football stars.
As the 2024 Ballon d’Or approaches, three players have emerged as leading contenders for the prestigious prize: Vinicius Jr, Rodri, and Jude Bellingham. Each player has delivered an exceptional season, making it hard to predict who will take home the Golden Ball.
Vinicius Jr: A Season to Remember
Vinicius Jr has been one of Real Madrid’s standout players, and his contributions to the team have been crucial. After a slow start last season, Vinicius found his form and played a key role in Madrid’s victories. He scored a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final and was instrumental in their Champions League campaign.
In the final against Borussia Dortmund, Vinicius scored the winning goal, securing Real Madrid’s record-extending Champions League title. Over the season, he netted 26 goals and provided 12 assists. His efforts also helped Madrid clinch the La Liga title.
Although Vinicius had a relatively quiet international campaign with Brazil, his club performances have placed him at the forefront of the Ballon d’Or race. His ability to step up in crucial moments makes him a strong contender for the award.
Rodri: The Heart of Manchester City’s Success
Rodri has proven himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. His performances for Manchester City last season played a vital role in their treble-winning campaign under manager Pep Guardiola.
Rodri’s exceptional ability to control the midfield and dictate the tempo of the game has been key to City’s success. In fact, City lost all three of their Premier League matches last season when Rodri was suspended, showing just how important he is to the team. He remained undefeated in the Champions League, where City made a deep run into the tournament.
Rodri didn’t just excel at the club level; he also starred for Spain, helping them win the UEFA Euro 2024. His consistent performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award, further strengthening his case for the Ballon d’Or.
Jude Bellingham: Madrid’s Golden Boy
At just 21 years old, Jude Bellingham has already established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. After joining Real Madrid for a staggering £100 million, Bellingham quickly proved his worth. He made an immediate impact, assisting teammates Rodrygo and Vinicius throughout the season.
Bellingham’s contributions weren’t limited to assists. He scored 27 goals for Real Madrid and the England national team, showing his ability to deliver in big moments. His performances in La Liga and the Champions League have been nothing short of sensational. In addition to his club success, Bellingham played a key role in England’s UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, leading them to the final.
Although England fell short in the Euro final, Bellingham’s season was nearly flawless. His mix of goals, assists, and leadership on the pitch makes him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.
The Case Against Mbappe and Haaland
While both Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have had impressive seasons, they may fall short of the Ballon d’Or podium in 2024. Mbappe, who has been a consistent performer for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), helped his team reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. However, his inability to guide PSG to the final may hinder his chances of winning the award.
Similarly, Haaland had a phenomenal season with Manchester City, scoring 38 goals and winning the Premier League title. He also became the quickest player in Premier League history to score 50 goals. Despite these achievements, Haaland struggled in key moments, particularly in City’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid. This could ultimately hurt his chances of securing the Golden Ball.
The Final Verdict: Who Deserves the Ballon d’Or?
As we look ahead to the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, it’s clear that the race is wide open. Vinicius Jr, Rodri, and Jude Bellingham have all had incredible seasons, and each has a legitimate case for winning the award.
Vinicius’ ability to rise to the occasion in big games, Rodri’s dominance in midfield, and Bellingham’s all-around brilliance make this a tough decision. Ultimately, the Ballon d’Or could go to any of these three players, depending on how voters weigh their individual contributions to their teams.
In a year without Messi or Ronaldo in the running, the Ballon d’Or 2024 will be a true reflection of the next generation of football talent.
Conclusion: A New Era in Football
With Ronaldo and Messi no longer in the Ballon d’Or race, football is entering a new era. Vinicius Jr, Rodri, and Jude Bellingham represent the future of the sport, and one of them will likely be crowned the best player in the world in 2024. The stage is set for the next footballing superstar to emerge.
