Top 10 Favourites to Win Ballon d'Or 2024 - sportinglad

The Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in football, continues to captivate fans and players alike. As the 2024 season unfolds, a new crop of contenders emerges, vying for the coveted golden sphere. This article explores the Top 10 Favourites to Win the Ballon d’Or 2024, analyzing their recent performances, playing styles, and potential impact on the upcoming season.

1. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain & France): The Anointed Heir?

A Prodigy Maturing into a Complete Forward: Kylian Mbappé’s exceptional talent has been evident for years. His electrifying pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders worldwide. Now, as he enters his prime, Mbappé is showcasing a more well-rounded game, developing his passing and decision-making abilities.
A Dominant Force in Ligue 1: Mbappé remains the undisputed king of Ligue 1. His goalscoring exploits and all-around brilliance have propelled Paris Saint-Germain to domestic dominance. However, a strong showing in the Champions League, the pinnacle of club football, could significantly enhance his Ballon d’Or candidacy.
World Cup Glory and National Hero Status: Leading France to World Cup glory in 2022 cemented Mbappé’s status as a national hero. His performances throughout the tournament, including a stunning hat-trick in the final, solidified his reputation as one of the best players in the world.

2. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City & Belgium): The Orchestrator Extraordinaire

The Engine of Manchester City’s Success: Kevin De Bruyne is the creative heartbeat of Manchester City. His vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of a match are unmatched. He consistently unlocks defenses with his pinpoint passes, creating countless scoring opportunities for his teammates.
A Trophy Haul and Consistent Excellence: De Bruyne has been instrumental in Manchester City’s recent trophy haul, winning multiple Premier League titles and reaching the Champions League final in 2023. His consistency and ability to perform at the highest level throughout a season are key strengths in his Ballon d’Or bid.
Leadership on the International Stage: De Bruyne’s influence extends to the Belgian national team. His leadership and creative spark are crucial for their continued success. A strong showing at the upcoming European Championships could further bolster his Ballon d’Or candidacy.

3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Norway): The Goalscoring Phenomenon

A Goal Machine Redefining the Modern Striker: Erling Haaland is a goalscoring phenomenon who has taken the Premier League by storm. His raw power, pace, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the penalty area. His mere presence seems to unnerve opposing defenses.
Adapting to a New System and Continuing his Goalscoring Prowess: While still adapting to Pep Guardiola’s system at Manchester City, Haaland’s goalscoring form has remained prolific. His ability to seamlessly integrate into a new team and maintain his predatory instincts will be crucial for his Ballon d’Or chances.
Limited International Stage But Potential Uplift: Haaland’s international exposure is limited due to Norway’s absence from major tournaments. However, a breakout performance in upcoming qualifiers or a surprise international achievement could significantly impact his Ballon d’Or standing.

4. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England): The Teen Sensation with a Mature Game

A Rising Star with Complete Midfield Mastery: Jude Bellingham is a teenage prodigy who plays beyond his years. His technical ability, positional awareness, and composure on the ball are truly impressive. He possesses a blend of defensive solidity and attacking prowess, making him a complete midfielder.
A Move to Real Madrid and the Pressure of Expectation: Bellingham’s high-profile move to Real Madrid places him on a global stage. His ability to thrive under the immense pressure and expectations of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world will be closely watched.
Leading England’s New Generation: Bellingham is seen as a leader of England’s new generation. His performances at the upcoming European Championships, especially if he guides England to success, could propel him into serious Ballon d’Or contention.

5. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid & Brazil): The Unleashed Winger

From Understudy to Superstar: Vinicius Junior has undergone a remarkable transformation under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. He has honed his finishing and decision-making, complementing his raw pace and dribbling skills. His partnership with Karim Benzema has become one of the most lethal attacking duos in world football. A successful Champions League campaign with Real Madrid could significantly enhance his Ballon d’Or candidacy.
A Rising Star in Brazilian Football: Vinicius Junior is a vital cog in the Brazilian national team. His electrifying presence on the wing adds a new dimension to their attacking play. A strong showing at the Copa America could further elevate his Ballon d’Or profile.

6. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid & France): The Veteran Leading by Example

A Vintage Year and Ballon d’Or Redemption? Karim Benzema is enjoying a resurgence of epic proportions. His goalscoring exploits, combined with his leadership qualities, have been instrumental in Real Madrid’s recent success. This could be the year he finally claims the Ballon d’Or, an award that has eluded him for so long.
A Trophy Haul and Individual Brilliance: Benzema’s trophy cabinet has grown significantly in recent years. He has been the top scorer in La Liga and the Champions League, showcasing his individual brilliance alongside his team achievements.
Age is Just a Number? Maintaining Peak Performance: While approaching the twilight of his career, Benzema continues to defy expectations. His ability to maintain peak performance throughout the season will be crucial for his Ballon d’Or chances.

7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt): The Relentless Goalscoring Machine

A Consistent Threat and Premier League Icon: Mohamed Salah remains a relentless goalscoring machine for Liverpool. His pace, dribbling skills, and finishing prowess make him a constant threat in the final third. He is a Premier League icon and a fan favorite for his exciting brand of football.
A Question Mark over Liverpool’s Form?: Liverpool’s recent dip in form could hinder Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances. However, if he can lead them back to domestic or European glory, his individual brilliance will undoubtedly be recognized.
Can He Lead Egypt to Continental Success?: Egypt’s performance in the upcoming African Cup of Nations will be closely watched. If Salah can inspire them to victory, it could add a significant boost to his Ballon d’Or candidacy.

8. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich & Poland): The Undisputed Goalscoring King

A Machine-Like Consistency and Goalscoring Prowess: Robert Lewandowski remains an undisputed goalscoring king. His ability to find the net with remarkable consistency year after year is truly awe-inspiring. While his move to Barcelona brings new challenges, his goalscoring record speaks for itself.
Adapting to a New System and Proving His Worth: Lewandowski’s adaptation to Barcelona’s playing style will be interesting to watch. If he can replicate his goalscoring feats in a new league and system, it will be a testament to his world-class ability.
Limited International Exposure but a Legend Nonetheless: Poland’s struggles on the international stage limit Lewandowski’s Ballon d’Or exposure. However, his individual brilliance and legendary status in the sport are undeniable.

9. Phil Foden (Manchester City & England): The Local Talent Flourishing

A Homegrown Hero with Exquisite Skills: Phil Foden is a product of Manchester City’s youth academy and a symbol of their commitment to developing local talent. His dribbling skills, passing range, and eye for goal have made him a vital cog in Pep Guardiola’s system.
Competing with Teammates for Individual Recognition: Manchester City boasts a plethora of attacking talent. While Foden’s talent shines through, he will need to consistently outperform his teammates to truly stand out in the Ballon d’Or race.
Can He Shine on the International Stage?: Foden’s role in the England national team is evolving. If he can establish himself as a key player at the upcoming European Championships, it will significantly enhance his Ballon d’Or candidacy.

10. Rodri (Manchester City & Spain): The Unsung Hero in the Engine Room

The Anchor of Manchester City’s Success: Rodri often goes unnoticed, but his contribution to Manchester City’s success is undeniable. His defensive solidity, positional awareness, and ability to control the tempo of the game are crucial for their dominance.
A Crucial Role But Limited Recognition:
Being a defensive midfielder often means operating in the shadows. While his importance to Manchester City is unquestionable, he may struggle to gain the individual recognition typically associated with Ballon d’Or winners.
Can He Shine on the International Stage?: A standout performance at the upcoming Nations League with Spain could propel Rodri into the Ballon d’Or conversation. His ability to orchestrate Spain’s midfield play and contribute to their success will be crucial in this regard.

Beyond the Individual: The Team’s Role in Ballon d’Or Contention

The Ballon d’Or is an individual award, but a player’s success is often intertwined with their team’s achievements. Here’s how team performance can impact a player’s Ballon d’Or chances:

Winning Major Trophies: Lifting prestigious trophies like the Champions League, Premier League, or major international tournaments significantly enhances a player’s Ballon d’Or candidacy.
Individual Brilliance Within a Successful Team: While team success is important, a player’s individual brilliance within that framework is equally crucial. They need to consistently stand out as the most impactful player on the field.
Leadership and Influence on the Team’s Play: A player’s leadership qualities and influence on the team’s overall performance can significantly bolster their Ballon d’Or bid.

The X-Factor: Unexpected Performances and Memorable Moments

The Ballon d’Or race is not always predictable. Unexpected individual performances, last-minute heroics, or defining moments in major tournaments can significantly impact a player’s candidacy. These moments can capture the imagination of voters and tip the scales in favor of a particular player.

Conclusion: A Wide-Open Race and a Year of Possibilities

The 2024 Ballon d’Or race promises to be a fascinating one. A new generation of talent is emerging, challenging established stars for the coveted golden sphere. The upcoming season will be a platform for these players to showcase their skills, lead their teams to success, and potentially etch their names in Ballon d’Or history. With a captivating blend of established brilliance, exciting young talent, and unpredictable storylines, the 2024 Ballon d’Or award is sure to keep football fans captivated throughout the year.