(Telemundo Atlanta) – Anticipation for the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony is at an all-time high, with the ceremony scheduled for October 28 in Paris.
Like every year, France Football magazine will award the trophy to the most outstanding footballer of the 2023/24 season, and this year looks set to be special. For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi have been nominated, marking the end of an era in world football.
Among the 30 candidates who are trying to win the Ballon d’Or, six footballers from Real Madrid stand out, a team that continues to lead in both the League and the Champions League.
In addition, six Spanish players were selected, highlighting the Iberian talent in football’s elite. As the big show is coming upanalysts and fans are speculating about who will win the prestigious award, and some players’ names stand out as favorites.
Vinícius Jr., your favorite
Vinícius Jr. the name most associated with the candidates, who has a 26% chance, according to the artificial intelligence (AI) consulted by the newspaper El Debate, of winning his first Ballon d’Or.
The Brazilian winger has been a key piece in Real Madrid’s impressive season, standing out in La Liga and the Champions League. His ability to score goals and generate decisive plays puts him at the top of the betting, which is also confirmed by several sports media, such as MARCA, who already has a profile as a future winner.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, in the race
However, the competition is far from simple. His teammate, Jude Bellingham, is close behind with a 21% chance, according to the AI. The young Englishman made an immediate impact in his first season with Real Madrid, establishing himself as one of the team’s legends and scoring crucial goals in high-level games.
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The third favorite on the list is Kylian Mbappé, who also has a 21% probability. Although the Frenchman did not win major titles with his club last season, his individual performances are still outstanding, ensuring him a place among the main contenders.
More notable players who could win the Ballon d’Or 2024
Although they are not in the top three, other players such as Harry Kane have also been mentioned. His move to Bayern Munich was successful, with a 20% chance of winning the Ballon d’Or, thanks to his scoring ability.
However, the bookies do not see him as one of the favourites, putting footballers like Erling Haaland or Rodri Hernández above him. Precisely, Haaland, with a 10% chance, has left an indelible mark with his scoring records at Manchester City, and Rodri, the MVP of Euro 2024, is seen as a solid choice to win the trophy, although he only has 8% according to it. AI.
The other awards that will be distributed at this gala
As well as the Ballon d’Or, the gala will reward other football highlights. Lamine Yamal, only 17 years old, is emerging as the favorite to win the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, followed by talents such as Pau Cubarsí and Arda Güler. As for the Lev Yashin Cup for the best goalkeeper, the competition is tough, with Unai Simón, Emiliano Martínez and Yann Sommer among the nominees.
Finally, the award for the best coach will be marked by the presence of Spain, with Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso and Luis de la Fuente leading the favorites list, although international names such as Carlo Ancelotti and Lionel Scaloni also stand out.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or gala promises to be an event full of emotions and surprises, where the new generation of world football could establish themselves definitively as leaders of the beautiful sport.
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