Ballon d'Or 2024: Premier League Nominees and Top Contenders
The Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award, is nearing its highly anticipated 2024 ceremony. This year brings a compelling list of contenders, with the Premier League prominently represented. For over a decade, the Ballon d'Or was dominated by two of the sport's greatest figures—Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, as both legends move into the twilight of their careers in lesser competitive leagues, a new generation of football superstars has emerged, eager to claim the mantle.
Among these new frontrunners, ten Premier League players have made the coveted 30-man shortlist, showcasing the increasing talent and competitiveness in England's top division. While Premier League stars are strongly represented, the overall competition for the 2024 Ballon d'Or is fiercer and more diverse than ever. Let’s explore the most likely candidates to win the award, along with a deeper look at the Premier League nominees who have shone on the international stage.
Premier League Nominees: The English Elite
1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Few players have had a debut season in the Premier League like Erling Haaland’s. The Norwegian striker was central to Manchester City's historic treble-winning season in 2023/24. Haaland scored an incredible 52 goals in all competitions, breaking Premier League and Champions League records along the way. His powerful presence, clinical finishing, and composure in front of goal have set new benchmarks for strikers in world football. Haaland’s excellence is not just in scoring goals but in his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
2. Rodri (Manchester City)
While Haaland's brilliance often makes the headlines, Rodri’s role in City’s treble cannot be overlooked. The Spanish midfielder has emerged as arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football. Rodri’s crowning moment came in the Champions League final, where he scored the only goal in City’s victory over Inter Milan. He followed that up with a standout summer at Euro 2024, guiding Spain to victory and being named Player of the Tournament.
3. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
At just 22 years old, Bukayo Saka is already regarded as one of the brightest young stars in football. The Arsenal winger had a standout 2023/24 season, contributing 14 goals and 11 assists as the Gunners mounted a strong challenge for the Premier League title. Saka’s combination of pace, intelligence, and creativity make him a nightmare for defenders. His performances have seen him become a key figure for both Arsenal and the England national team.
4. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Ødegaard, was the heartbeat of the Gunners' midfield during their resurgence in the 2023/24 season. The Norwegian playmaker scored 15 goals and provided seven assists, leading by example as Arsenal secured Champions League football for the first time in six years. Ødegaard’s ability to control games, create opportunities for teammates, and score crucial goals made him one of the most effective midfielders in Europe last season.
5. Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
The goalkeeper who helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022 has continued his impressive form for both club and country. Martínez was Aston Villa’s rock in goal last season, helping them secure European football. His exceptional shot-stopping ability, particularly in one-on-one situations, and his leadership qualities make him one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Top 5 Ballon d'Or Contenders of 2024
While the Premier League has a strong showing, the global Ballon d'Or race features several other top candidates who have performed brilliantly over the last year. Here are the top five players who are most likely to win the Ballon d'Or this year, including some non-Premier League stars:
1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham has been sensational since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2023. At just 20 years old, the English midfielder has become the focal point of Madrid’s attack, scoring 20 goals in 31 appearances and consistently being the difference-maker in crucial games. Bellingham’s performances have been compared to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, and his ability to score decisive goals, provide assists, and dominate the midfield makes him the favorite for this year’s Ballon d'Or.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland’s goal-scoring feats and City’s treble-winning campaign make him one of the most obvious contenders for the Ballon d'Or. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, particularly in the Champions League, means Haaland is likely to be a top candidate for the award for years to come.
3. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Kane’s move to Bayern Munich from Tottenham Hotspur has been a resounding success, with the English striker scoring 36 goals in just 34 appearances for the German champions. His seamless transition to the Bundesliga, combined with his leadership of the England national team in Euro 2024, makes him a strong contender.
4. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Mbappé remains one of the most electrifying players in world football, with his pace, technical ability, and finishing making him a constant threat to defenses. Despite PSG’s struggles in the Champions League, Mbappé’s individual brilliance for both club and country keeps him in the running for the Ballon d'Or.
5. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Vinícius has become a key figure in Real Madrid’s attack, with his flair, speed, and creativity making him one of the most exciting players to watch. The Brazilian winger’s ability to change games with moments of magic has been crucial to Madrid’s success in La Liga and the Champions League.
A New Era in Football
The 2024 Ballon d'Or marks a changing of the guard in world football. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stepping out of the European spotlight, the race for the award is more open than ever. Young talents like Bellingham, Mbappé, and Haaland are vying to claim the title of the world’s best player, and the Premier League’s presence is stronger than ever.
The award ceremony, scheduled for October 28, 2024, will provide the football world with answers. Until then, fans can only speculate which of these incredible talents will rise to the occasion and claim football's most coveted individual honor.