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As the calendar year draws to a close, the sports world is gearing up for numerous awards, with the Ballon d'Or attracting the most attention. Traditionally awarded to the player who has defined the year, the Ballon d'Or recognizes the best footballer of the past year.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or race promises to be one of the most exciting and unique in recent history. For the first time since 2003, the shortlist does not feature the record-holders Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have dominated the award for the past two decades.
Currently, Ronaldo plays for Al Nassr, and Messi is with Inter Miami. Both have not been performing at their previous levels, which is understandable given their ages.
Several interesting names are in the running for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, with many considering Jude Bellingham, the star of Real Madrid and the England national team, as the leading contender.
Erling Haaland of Manchester City is also a top favorite, continuing to play in exceptional form. Many believe he deserved the award last year ahead of Messi, given his treble-winning season with Manchester City.
According to betting odds, French star Kylian Mbappe is also a strong contender, with a 22% chance.
Following the UEFA European Championship, there have been massive shifts in the rankings. Dani Carvajal's name is circulating on social media as a potential Ballon d'Or winner, with some also mentioning Rodri, who was named the best player of the Euros. The Spanish players, alongside Bellingham, Haaland, and Mbappe, are in the top 5.
Interestingly, Toni Kroos, who retired from professional football this summer, is also among the contenders.
Other notable candidates include Hakan Calhanoglu, Ruben Dias, Artem Dovbyk, Phil Foden, Alejandro Grimaldo, Mats Hummels, Harry Kane, Ademola Lookman, Emiliano Martinez, Lautaro Martinez, Martin Odegaard, Dani Olmo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Antonio Rudiger, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Federico Valverde, Vinicius Junior, Vitinha, Nico Williams, Florian Wirtz, and Granit Xhaka.
There are many candidates in the game, but only one will succeed in winning the award that belongs to the best player in the world. For years we have been used to looking at the same faces, more precisely Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It seems that their era is finally over now, even though it was the case a few years ago. New young names are looking for a place under the stars, eager to make a success on the football scene. We will see who will win the prize in the end, but judging by everything, many believe that it will be one of the Spaniards.
Dani Carvajal is mentioned the most because he won the Champions League and the EURO as a standard member of both Real Madrid and the Spain national team.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or election will take place on Monday, October 28 in the French capital, Paris.
Lionel Messi won the title last year ahead of Erling Haalnd and Kylian Mbappe.
The record holder for the number of Golden Balls won is Lionel Messi with a total of eight awards, Cristiano Ronaldo has five, and he will surely remain at those numbers after 2024.
Leo Messi on winning Ballon d'Or
Messi, who won the prestigious award last year, admitted that he could never have imagined such a brilliant career, where he achieved all the successes he had dreamed of. The triumph with Argentina is certainly a moment he will never forget. Being at the top of the football scene and lifting such a trophy is the dream of every player. As many say, Messi has accomplished all his goals in the world of football.
“I couldn’t have dreamed of having the career that I had, everything I’ve achieved. To have the success, the fortune I’ve had. The best team in the world, the best team in history, makes it so much easier to win so many titles, to win these individual prizes. To win the Copa America and then to get the World Cup, after so many difficult moments in the national team.”-Messi said.
Messi shared his satisfaction with his current situation at Inter Miami, stating that he is enjoying new experiences with his family. He described being a world champion as a fantastic achievement and mentioned that he feels a deep sense of contentment with his career. Messi conveyed that having such a fulfilling career and enjoying football as much as he has is something he cherishes deeply.
Regarding his future, Messi mentioned that he isn't certain how much longer he will continue playing, but he plans to enjoy the time he has left in his career. He has emphasized recently that his focus is on enjoying the game. As long as he remains physically fit and able to compete, he intends to keep playing.
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