2024 Ballon d’Or: All you need to know

The 2024 Ballon d’Or is just around the corner, marking a thrilling time for football fans as the sport’s top talent vies for its most coveted individual honour. This year’s race is notably wide open due to the absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have long dominated the award.

Messi, with eight wins, and Ronaldo, with five, are missing from the shortlist this year, paving the way for a new winner to emerge.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event:

The winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or will be announced on Monday, October 28th, during a ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This will be the 68th edition of the award, overseen by France Football and co-organised with UEFA this year.

The ceremony is scheduled to start at 19:00 GMT and will be broadcast live, allowing fans worldwide to tune in and experience the excitement.

Top Contenders

The competition for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is fierce. Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian forward who played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s recent Champions League victory, is the current favourite to win the men’s award. His stellar performance last season has positioned him as a top contender.

Rodri, celebrated for his integral role in Manchester City’s Premier League win and his standout performance in Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign, is also a strong candidate. He is joined by Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid, who has impressed consistently in midfield.

Dani Carvajal, although considered a long shot, is recognised for his role in multiple title wins, including the Champions League, La Liga, and Euro 2024, which secured his nomination.

Ballon d’Or Féminin 2024:

In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí is expected to win her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin. The Barcelona midfielder has been outstanding, both for her club and on the international stage. Competing closely are her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon.

Kopa Trophy

The Kopa Trophy, recognizing the best under-21 player, is anticipated to go to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal after his remarkable contributions to Spain’s European Championship victory. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United also make the shortlist, but Yamal is the favourite.

Yashin Trophy

The Yashin Trophy, which honours the top goalkeeper, has Emiliano Martínez as a frontrunner. The Aston Villa goalkeeper is aiming for another win following his influential performances in the Champions League and Argentina’s Copa América success this summer. Gianluigi Donnarumma is another key nominee, though Alisson and Thibaut Courtois have been left off the shortlist this year.

Viewing the Ceremony

Fans can watch the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony live on L’Équipe’s YouTube channel, which will stream the event for free, allowing viewers from around the globe to join in the excitement.