The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees were announced on September 4, 2024, revealing a significant shift in the landscape of football’s most prestigious individual award.
For the first time since 2003, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are absent from the nominees list, marking the end of an era that has dominated the football world for nearly two decades.
Ballon d’Or Nominees Announcement: Key Highlights
Historic Absence: Lionel Messi, who won the Ballon d’Or for a record-extending eighth time last year, did not make the cut this year.
Despite winning the Copa America with Argentina in July, his performances in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami were not enough to secure a nomination.
Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo, now 39 years old and playing in Saudi Arabia, was also left off the list after a storied career that included five Ballon d’Or victories.
New Faces and Favorites: The nominees list features a host of players who have made significant impacts over the past year. Among the favorites are:
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): A standout performer in La Liga and the Champions League, his explosive pace and skill have made him a key player for his club.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): The young English midfielder has impressed since his transfer, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s success.
- Rodri (Manchester City): A big figure in Manchester City’s midfield, Rodri’s performances helped the team secure the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Ballon d’Or Nominees List:
The complete list of nominees includes notable names such as Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and several players from Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team, including Rodri and Dani Carvajal. The list showcases a blend of established stars and emerging talents, reflecting a new generation of football excellence.
Full list of nominees for Ballon d’Or 2024:
- Jude Bellingham
- Hakan Calhanoglou
- Kylian Mbappe
- Erling Haaland
- Lamine Yamal
- Dani Carvajal
- Ruben Dias
- Artem Dobvyk
- Phil Foden
- Alejandro Grimaldo
- Mats Hummels
- Harry Kane
- Toni Kroos
- Ademola Lookman
- Emiliano Martinez
- Lautaro Martinez
- Martin Odegaard
- Dani Olmo
- Cole Palmer
- Declan Rice
- Rodri
- Antonio Rudiger
- Bukayo Saka
- William Saliba
- Federico Valverde
- Vinicius Jr.
- Vitinha
- Nico Williams
- Florian Wirtz
- Granit Xhaka
When is Ballon d’Or Award Ceremony?
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place on October 28, 2024, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
This year’s awards will also introduce new accolades, including the Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year, recognizing the contributions of coaches to their teams’ successes.
