Ballon d’Or 2024: Power Rankings and Contenders
In 2023, Lionel Messi secured his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or after an extraordinary year in which he led Argentina to World Cup glory. While Messi claimed the award, Erling Haaland, despite winning the treble with Manchester City, finished second and missed out on the prestigious accolade.
However, 2024 marks a significant change in the Ballon d’Or landscape. For the first time in over two decades, neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo features among the 30 nominees for the award. This is a historic moment, as their duopoly over the Ballon d’Or has finally come to an end, heralding the dawn of a new era in football.
Traditionally, the Ballon d’Or was awarded based on players’ performances throughout a calendar year. But for the second time in the award’s history, the voting is based on the football season. In 2023, Messi won due to his remarkable efforts spanning from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. Now, as we approach the gala in October, we have ranked the top 20 players who are most likely to contend for the 2024 Ballon d’Or based on their performances during this period.
Ranking Criteria
Our rankings are determined by several key factors:
- Goals scored
- Assists
- Defensive contributions (clean sheets for defenders and goalkeepers)
- Trophies won or contested
- Impactful moments in both the 2023-24 season and international tournaments
- Overall form
Ballon d’Or 2024: Power Rankings
1. Rodri
Club: Manchester City | Country: Spain | Position: Midfielder
Rodri’s consistent excellence as a key figure in Manchester City’s midfield has made him the top contender for this year’s award. His influence during City’s successful campaigns has been pivotal, helping them secure major trophies with his intelligent playmaking and crucial goals.
2. Vinicius Junior
Club: Real Madrid | Country: Brazil | Position: Forward
Vinicius continues to shine as one of Real Madrid’s most dynamic players. His ability to create chances, score goals, and deliver in big moments has elevated him to one of the best forwards in the world.
3. Jude Bellingham
Club: Real Madrid | Country: England | Position: Midfielder
Bellingham’s first season at Real Madrid has been nothing short of spectacular. The young English midfielder has quickly become one of the most complete players in the game, combining physicality with technical skill to dominate the middle of the park.
4. Lamine Yamal
Club: Barcelona | Country: Spain | Position: Forward
At just 16 years old, Yamal is a rising star in world football. His incredible performances for Barcelona, coupled with his poise and maturity beyond his years, have earned him a spot among the Ballon d’Or contenders.
5. Kylian Mbappe
Club: Real Madrid | Country: France | Position: Forward
Though Mbappe narrowly missed out on last year’s Ballon d’Or, his move to Real Madrid has further cemented his status as one of the best players in the world. His lightning pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat on the pitch.
6. Dani Carvajal
Club: Real Madrid | Country: Spain | Position: Defender
Carvajal has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s defensive stability. His leadership and solid performances have helped the team maintain their high standards, making him one of the standout defenders in Europe.
7. Lautaro Martinez
Club: Inter | Country: Argentina | Position: Forward
Fresh off an impressive season with Inter, where he played a crucial role in their success, Lautaro Martinez has shown why he remains one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
8. Phil Foden
Club: Manchester City | Country: England | Position: Forward
Foden’s versatility and flair have been key to Manchester City’s attacking prowess. His ability to influence games, whether through goals or assists, has made him a vital player for Pep Guardiola.
9. Toni Kroos
Retired | Country: Germany | Position: Midfielder
Although Kroos has now retired, his influence on the pitch throughout his career cannot be understated. His final season at Real Madrid was a testament to his enduring quality, dictating the tempo and making key contributions to their success.
10. Harry Kane
Club: Bayern Munich | Country: England | Position: Forward
Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has been a game-changer for both him and the club. His prolific goal-scoring has continued in Germany, and he remains one of the best strikers in world football.
11. Nico Williams
Club: Athletic Bilbao | Country: Spain | Position: Forward
Williams’ performances for Athletic Bilbao have marked him as one of the brightest young talents in Spain. His pace, dribbling, and creativity make him a dangerous forward.
12. Antonio Rudiger
Club: Real Madrid | Country: Germany | Position: Defender
Rudiger has become one of the best defenders in Europe, providing Real Madrid with defensive solidity and leadership at the back.
13. Erling Haaland
Club: Manchester City | Country: Norway | Position: Forward
Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits for Manchester City continue to impress, though he finds himself lower in the rankings this year due to stiffer competition.
14. Dani Olmo
Club: RB Leipzig | Country: Spain | Position: Midfielder
Olmo has been one of RB Leipzig’s standout performers, known for his vision, creativity, and ability to change games with moments of brilliance.
15. Bukayo Saka
Club: Arsenal | Country: England | Position: Forward
Saka has been a revelation for Arsenal, consistently delivering important performances and becoming a key player for both his club and country.
16. Florian Wirtz
Club: Bayer Leverkusen | Country: Germany | Position: Midfielder
Wirtz’s technical ability and intelligence on the ball have made him one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe.
17. Federico Valverde
Club: Real Madrid | Country: Uruguay | Position: Midfielder
Valverde’s box-to-box energy and versatility make him an indispensable part of Real Madrid’s squad, contributing both offensively and defensively.
18. Granit Xhaka
Club: Bayer Leverkusen | Country: Switzerland | Position: Midfielder
Xhaka’s leadership and experience have been vital for Bayer Leverkusen, and his performances have not gone unnoticed.
19. Emiliano Martinez
Club: Aston Villa | Country: Argentina | Position: Goalkeeper
Martinez’s heroic displays for Argentina and Aston Villa have earned him recognition as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
20. William Saliba
Club: Arsenal | Country: France | Position: Defender
Saliba has emerged as a rock in Arsenal’s defense, playing a crucial role in their success last season and earning a starting spot for France at Euro 2024.
As we look ahead to the 2024 Ballon d’Or gala, these players have showcased incredible talent and form throughout the season, making them the top contenders for the prestigious award.
