Islamabad, Sep 25: The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has reportedly been leaked ahead of the official ceremony set for October 28. With past winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer in contention, the race for the prestigious award is wide open.
Contenders such as Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé are all vying for the prize. However, two favorites have emerged: Rodri of Manchester City and Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid.
Rodri, who was a strong contender due to his performances last season, is now sidelined with a serious knee injury, possibly ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
This setback has increased the likelihood of Vinicius Jr claiming the Ballon d’Or, particularly after his standout performances in the Champions League. According to MARCA, the Brazilian winger is now tipped to win the award, with reports suggesting he has already been informed of his victory.
Men’s Ballon d’Or Award Shortlist:
The shortlist for the Men’s Ballon d’Or award includes:
- Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid
- Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
- Lautaro Martinez – Inter
- Ademola Lookman – Atalanta
- Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen
- Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid
- William Saliba – Arsenal
- Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
- Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
- Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter
- Rodri – Man City
- Declan Rice – Arsenal
- Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
- Cole Palmer – Chelsea
- Vitinha – PSG
- Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid
- Martin Odegaard – Arsenal
- Dani Olmo – Barcelona
- Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen
- Mats Hummels – Roma
- Erling Haaland – Man City
- Nicolas Williams – Athletic Bilbao
- Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen
- Artem Dovbik – Roma
- Toni Kroos – Real Madrid
- Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
- Phil Foden – Man City
- Ruben Dias – Man City
- Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
- Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa
