Bruce Dias 
The race for the most prestigious individual award in soccer, the Golden Ball, is heating up. As they say, many are called, but few are chosen. Pundits have been commenting that, among the football stars, we have contenders and pretenders, and soon, we will discover who falls where.
Lionel Messi has won the Golden Ball a record eight times. Last year was a special year for the player as he took home the 2023 Ballond’or and the World Cup. Erling Haaland would have taken it for the first time, but Messi spoiled the player’s chances despite his role in making his side, Manchester City, win a treble.
Lionel Messi, who is currently playing for Inter Miami, may not be one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or. It will be the first time in eight years that the race will be wide open, and any of the current top 8 players will take home the coveted award.
So, who is likely to replace Messi, the best player in the world, who has been on the Ballon d’Or rankings most of the time and won the eighth Golden Ball last year? Kate Richardson, a renowned Football analysis post, uses factors such as goals scored, assists, clean sheets, trophies won, player’s general form, and big moments in the 2023/2024 season, among others, Ballon d’Or power rankings. Based on these ranking factors, these are the likely candidates for the Win the Ballon d’Or.
Player’s first Ballon d’Or Power Rankings
Billed as the leading contender for the Ballon d’Or 2024, Vinicius Junior has every reason to brag, but it seems that is not one of his characters. Up to now, the Brazilian footballer who is currently playing in La Liga for Real Madrid says his focus now is on the club; Vinicious Jr says, “I will always put my club first. I want to win another Champions League with this team,” adding that he can do great things for Real Madrid in the 2023/2024 season.
As analysts put it, this spirit has put him at the top, transforming from an exciting creator into a goal-scoring machine. What has surprised many is that a season ago, he was nowhere near this ranking list, but just a few months later, he has beaten many to be the top contender of “this Ballon d’Or. Pundits believe Vinicius Junior may surprise all and sundry, silencing his doubters to win this award.
Will Jude Bellingham Bag the 2024 Ballon d’Or?
Fact: Commentators point out Jude Bellingham’s transformation at his La Liga side, Real Madrid, as one of the factors that has propelled him into the talks for the Ballon d’Or 2024.
Like Vinicius Jr., this is not something that many would have thought of for this young English midfielder.
His recent move to Real Madrid, a team that most punters are betting for to lift the Champions League in the 2023/2024 season, saw him given a more advanced role. He has not disappointed, as he has racked up a handsome number of goals, with some sources putting the scores as high as 18 in the league alone.
As pundits point out, the stunning performance has placed the 20-year-old player alongside established football stars such as Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. If you asked a few months ago whether Jude Bellingham would be in the company of stars as a top contender for the Win in 2024, this is something many wouldn’t have expected.
Kylian Mbappe Chances of Ballon d’or 2024
He has been referred to as the best forward in the world, making him the undisputed king in the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner conversation. Kylian Mbappé’s goal-scoring prowess in Ligue 1 and in the international matches has made him a top contender several times.
Although many are betting on his Win, some believe that he has a bigger challenge ahead: the Euro 2024. When you compare his performance for his national team with club form, many say that he has not matched.
With other attackers such as Benzema, his goal output may be greatly affected, lowering his chances of taking the coveted title. However, some believe that he will rise to the occasion.
They are pegging his performance on the electrifying pace and the player’s clinical finishing. Commentators say that Mbappe is set on individual glory and leads his national team to victory. This kind of spirit and determination guarantees him a place at the top of the Bookies’ odds for the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
A look at the correct score prediction today reveals analysts’ and punters’ confidence in him; they are willing to bet their money on the undisputed king of the forwards.
Erling Haaland
He nearly beat Lionel Messi last season, but luck was not on his side. However, Erling Haaland was quick to dust it off, and this year, he is among the top football players in the Premier League. The Balon de Oro 2024 may be his to lose.
He may have suffered some setbacks during the season, but like a cat with nine lives, the Manchester City striker has come back strong and is still top on the contenders’ list.
Harry Kane
Not many would deny him a place among the top contenders because he is currently ranked as the top goal scorer in Europe. However, some believe that, although he deserves his lofty position on the list, his team’s performance in the 2024 Champions League may affect his bid to win the coveted title this year, and given his age, this may be the last chance.
Some may ask, “Can we rule him out of the 2025 awards, going by the Cristiano Ronaldo story, where he remains a contender?” Only time will tell, but given his performance at Bayern Munich, many would still bet on his presence in 2025.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Although it is unlikely that Portugal and Al-Nassr players will be running for the next Golden Ball, some think it will not be wise to rule out the five-time winner. By all means, Ronaldo has had the time of his life at Al-Nassr and has continued to net goals for his national side.
Ronaldo scored more goals with 54 goals in 2023 than any other player. Pundits think that if Ronaldo takes his nation to great heights at Euro 2024, he may surprise many by being an outside shot for the Win.
Lionel Messi
Much like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, whom many see as past their glory, the Inter Miami player is also seen as an outsider. However, despite moving to a less prestigious league, the player is still a force to reckon with, especially at Copa America, where he was one of the best forwards. There are prospects that he may win more silverware with Argentina.
Some believe that denying him a slot as a top contender in the Ballon d’Or 2024 power rankings would be a great disservice to the player and the whole football fraternity.
Kevin De Bruyne
He may not be the first name that pops out when you think about this Ballon d’Or, but the Manchester City midfielder and Belgian national team member is a force to reckon with. The 2023/2024 season saw Kevin adding a surprising scoring threat at Manchester City.
Sitting in for players who had injuries, the midfielder has racked up several goals, which has surprised many. Some have been asking whether this could be the reason why his name is among those contending for the prestigious award in 2024.
The race for the Ballon d’Or 2024 will be hot and thrilling. While established names remain the favorites, we should be ready for surprises. We cannot rule anyone out; the young and the old, as many would say, “have equal chances” of clinching the prestigious award.
