Real Madrid Star Vinicius Jr is no longer the 2024 Ballon d’Or favourite after Brazil crashed out of the Copa America
Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for the unprecedented eighth time in 2023. The famous forward got the trophy following an incredible year in which he won the World Cup for Argentina. Erling Haaland finished second but was unable to claim the award for the first time in his career, despite winning the treble with Manchester City.
Messi, who is 37 years old and presently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, is unlikely to add a ninth goal to his collection. So, for the first time in years, it looks like anyone may enter the race and win the Ballon d’Or.
In the past, the prestigious individual award was based on footballers’ performance across a calendar year. However, for the second time in the award’s history, the votes are based on season results, which means Messi will win in 2023 for his efforts from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023. We’ve identified the 20 most probable candidates for the 2024 Ballon d’Or based on their performances this year.
