Who Will Go Home with the Ballon d'Or?
This has been the most asked question after Copa America and Euro 2024. Some potential winners shone with great performances; others disappointed in these tournaments. Ballon d'Or, handed to the best football player in the world, holds a huge amount of performances at international tournaments, especially in years like this, into consideration. Let's debate the top 5 potential winners for Ballon d'Or 2024:
1. VinÃcius Júnior
VinÃcius Júnior put on a breathtaking show at Real Madrid during the 2023-24 season. He helped his team win several trophies, such as the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. With 26 goals, 9 assists, and 9 Man of the Match, VinÃcius was nothing less than the most valuable player for Real Madrid. But due to his under performance in Copa America, the selection of this youngster may be put into a dilemma.
2. Jude Bellingham
The young sensation, Jude Bellingham, was tremendous all through the campaign for Real Madrid. He leveled VinÃcius in terms of trophies and turned in displays that sparkled with 25 goals and 12 assists. He also accrued 12 Man of the Match performances. Bellingham took England to the UEFA Euro 2024 finals and scored a stunning back-volley in the round of 16 against Slovakia to extend the match into extra time. Though, due to his international matches and success at clubs, he deserves a mention.
3. Rodrigo Hernández (Rodri)
The midfield maestro, Rodri, had a magnificent season with Manchester City. He scored 9 goals and made 11 assists as a central defensive midfielder, which is an exceptional stat for his position. Rodri won the Premier League with Manchester City, then proceeded to win UEFA Euro 2024 for Spain, where he was adjuged the best player of the tournament. This gives an extra boost in the Ballon d'Or race.
4. Dani Carvajal
Probably the most meritorious defender on this list, Dani Carvajal, can be cited as the case in point. He won La Liga and Champions League with Real Madrid, scoring in the Champions League final against Dortmund. Thereafter, he won Euro 2024 with Spain and proved a reliable player for the national team. He thus makes for a strong case with his defensive abilities and contribution in big games.
5. Lautaro MartÃnez
The Inter Milan captain Lautaro MartÃnez might be the most underrated player on this list. He scored 27 goals and created 3 with 9 Man of the Match displays for Inter Milan to win the league and the Italian Super Cup. He performed extraordinary in Copa America with 5 goals, winning the Golden Boot, and scoring the winning goal over Colombia in the final match. All of this Dual Success at Club and International Level will strengthen his case to win Ballon d'Or.
So, Who Do You Think Will Win Ballon d'Or This Year?
Each one of these players has had a phenomenal season and has had much to offer their teams. The decision is, no doubt, going to be hard, but the excitement lies in that—so it's interesting to see who gets this prestigious award.
