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The 2024 Ballon d'Or race has taken on a new course now with the conclusion of the 2024 Copa America and the UEFA Euro 2024 over the weekend. With Spain and Argentina lifting major international trophies this month, a number of players have made their bid to win the award this year.
Spain have enjoyed a stellar Euro 2024 campaign and defeated Italy, Germany, France and England on their way to a record-breaking fourth European title. La Furia Roja ushered in a new generation of players this year, and a few names will make their way to the Ballon d'Or shortlist.
Ballon d'Or favorites flatter to deceive on international stage
It has been a mixed few weeks for the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe. The trio led the Ballon d'Or charts before their international stints but a series of lacklustre performances could come back to hurt them.
The Real Madrid duo remain in contention in the Ballon d'Or race owing to their achievements in the UEFA Champions League. Kylian Mbappe failed to make his mark at UEFA Euro 2024 and will need to pull off a few miracles in the coming months to remain in the race.
Without further ado, here are our current favourites to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024.
#5 Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/Argentina)
Despite his stellar Serie A campaign with Inter Milan, Lautaro Martinez was not particularly a favourite in the 2024 Ballon d'Or race. I Nerazzurri star has admirably turned his personal fortunes around on the international stage, however, and could potentially give the favourites a run for their money this year.
Martinez topped the goalscoring charts at the 2024 Copa America with five goals to his name and also scored a crucial extra-time goal in the final to take Argentina to a record 16th title. The Inter Milan star also top-scored with 24 goals in Serie A and played a massive role in his side's domestic success.
Lautaro Martinez has emerged as Inter Milan's talisman and has a bright future with Argentina. The striker has become prolific over the past year and is currently one of the most effective marksmen in world football.
#4 Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/Spain)
With Spain and Real Madrid relying on brilliant forward players over the past year, Dani Carvajal's performances seem to have slipped under the radar. While the underrated Spaniard is accustomed to being an unsung hero, his performances at Euro 2024 have propelled his country to another historic title.
Carvajal has been a lynchpin in Real Madrid's defensive line for several years and played a crucial role in the UEFA Champions League final. In addition to breaking the deadlock with his goal, Dani Carvajal also managed to keep the impressive Karim Adeyemi at bay.
The Real Madrid man stepped up as a leader for Spain at Euro 2024 and added some much-needed experience to a young Spain squad. While the Ballon d'Or is infamous for its neglect of defensive talents, Dani Carvajal's feats this year are impossible to ignore.
#3 Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
With his flurry of late goals over the past year, Jude Bellingham has made a name for himself at Real Madrid. The English midfielder pulled off extraordinary coups on numerous occasions for his club and propelled them to a La Liga title and a UEFA Champions League trophy.
Bellingham did not have the best Euro 2024 campaign as England fell short with a poor performance in the final. The midfielder did manage to showcase his skills in the tournament, however, and scored a late spectacular bicycle kick in the Round of 16 to win his side a game against Slovakia.
With Real Madrid dominating both domestic and European competitions over the past year, Jude Bellingham remains a strong contender to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
#2 Rodri (Manchester City/Spain)
Rodri might not top the charts in terms of goals or assists, but he performs his role to perfection. The Spaniard has emerged as Pep Guardiola's trusted midfield lynchpin for Manchester City and has also become his national team's chief orchestrator.
Alongside the impressive Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, Rodri systematically outplayed formidable midfield lineups at Euro 2024. With Rodri at the heart of their midfield, Spain dominated matches against France and England and were virtually unparalleled in their technical prowess.
In addition to his Premier League title with Manchester City, Rodri was also the 'Player of the Tournament' award in Spain's successful Euro 2024 campaign.
#1 Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid/Brazil)
While his performances for Brazil in the 2024 Copa America left much to be desired, Vinicius Junior's stunning exploits with Real Madrid have placed him in pole position in the Ballon d'Or race. The winger was virtually unplayable over the course of the season and was arguably his side's best player.
The Brazilian star was particularly impressive in the UEFA Champions League and bagged a total of six goals and four assists for Real Madrid. Vinicius Junior also scored an important goal against Borussia Dortmund in the final and has been exceptional for his club.
While there is no clear favourite for the Ballon d'Or this year, Vinicius Junior's performances for his club have stood out among the crowd. The 24-year-old winger is Real Madrid's talisman at the moment and is the favourite to win the award this year.
