The Ballon d’Or is set to crown the best male and female footballers in Paris, marking a historic moment as neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo is on the shortlist for the first time since 2003. With past winners like Karim Benzema and Luka Modric also absent, this year promises a fresh face atop the podium. Football enthusiasts and experts alike are eagerly following the rankings as organizers reveal the placement of top talents in the men’s and women’s categories.
Here’s a look at the current ranking and the possible favorites who might take home the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or Rankings (Current Standings):
- 1. To Be Announced
- 2. To Be Announced
- 3. To Be Announced
… - 4. Phil Foden
- 5. Florian Wirtz
- 6. Dani Olmo
- 7. Ademola Lookman
- 8. Nico Williams
- 9. Granit Xhaka
- 10. Federico Valverde
- 11. Emiliano Martinez
- 12. Martin Ødegaard
- 13. Hakan Calhanoglu
- 14. Bukayo Saka
- 15. Antonio Rudiger
- 16. Ruben Dias
- 17. William Saliba
- 18. Cole Palmer
- 19. Declan Rice
- 20. Vitinha
- 21. Alejandro Grimaldo
- 22. Mats Hummels
- 23. Artem Dovbyk
These rankings reveal the incredible talent vying for the title this year. Phil Foden leads the charge for the England contingent at 11th place, with Bukayo Saka also representing English hopes at 21st. Declan Rice, another key player for England, is placed 26th alongside Vitinha, reflecting his consistent performances.
Major Contenders for the Top Spot
With no past winners on this year’s list, the Ballon d’Or will be claimed by a new face, adding to the anticipation. Here are the likely frontrunners to secure the top ranks:
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): With a phenomenal goal-scoring record and a historic treble win with Manchester City, Haaland is expected to be a favorite.
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): As a World Cup finalist and one of the most electrifying players in Europe, Mbappé’s contributions for club and country make him a strong candidate.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): Known for his unmatched vision and leadership in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign, De Bruyne’s influence on the pitch is hard to overlook.
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): Vinícius has been essential to Real Madrid’s success, showcasing skill and consistency, which could secure him a high ranking.
Women’s Ballon d’Or Front-Runner
In the women’s category, Spain’s World Cup winner and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí is considered the frontrunner. She led her national team to World Cup glory and hopes to capture her second Ballon d’Or. The jury, comprised of women’s journalists from FIFA’s top 50 countries, will cast their votes, deciding whether Bonmatí can secure back-to-back wins.
The Road to Paris
A jury of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations for men and the top 50 for women will determine this year’s winners, making the Ballon d’Or a globally representative award. The ceremony, set for Monday, will bring the football community together in Paris as they celebrate exceptional talent and crown new champions in both the men’s and women’s categories.
With intense anticipation building around the final rankings, fans and analysts alike continue to speculate on who will claim the iconic trophy, marking a new era in football.