The football world will witness a historic moment tonight as the Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, is set to crown a new winner. This year, however, carries a unique weight—there is no Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo among the nominees. The absence of these two titans, who have dominated the award for over a decade and a half, signals a potential shift in the landscape of football recognition. For the first time in 21 years, the shortlist feels open, fresh, and less predictable.
A Departure from Repetition
Since 2008, Messi and Ronaldo have collected an astonishing 13 out of 15 Ballon d’Ors, turning what was once a stage for diverse talent into a yearly duel between two of the greatest players ever. Their brilliance on the pitch, backed by powerful marketing machines, solidified the award as a battleground for fans and pundits alike. But while the past 16 years were undeniably thrilling, they were also repetitive, with the duo taking turns holding the golden orb.
This year, the shortlist is strikingly different. A look back to the 1990s and early 2000s reveals a time when the Ballon d’Or offered surprises: players from smaller footballing nations like Ukraine’s Andriy Shevchenko or Liberia’s George Weah had their moments of glory. With Messi and Ronaldo’s dominance fading, the Ballon d’Or could be set to return to that era of excitement and unpredictability.
Contenders for the Throne
In 2024, there’s no Messi or Ronaldo to outshine the field. The spotlight shifts to an intriguing mix of talent. Young superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland lead the way, but the favorites to claim the prize are Real Madrid‘s Vinícius Júnior, Manchester City‘s Rodri, and the veteran defender Dani Carvajal.
Vinícius Júnior has become a key player for Real Madrid, dazzling fans with his speed, skill, and game-changing performances. His impact, particularly in high-stakes matches, has made him one of the most exciting young talents on the planet. Rodri, on the other hand, has been the backbone of Manchester City’s midfield, guiding them to domestic glory with his tactical intelligence and consistency. Dani Carvajal, a veteran and a reliable figure in defense for Real Madrid, who together with Vini helped Los Blancos win their 15 Champions League title brings a touch of experience to this year’s contest, proving that solid, dependable play can shine just as brightly as attacking flair.
What’s at Stake
This year’s Ballon d’Or is about more than who will win; it’s about what the award will represent going forward. For many, Messi’s 2023 win—based largely on his spectacular with Argentina in the World Cup—felt hollow, like an epilogue to an already cemented legacy. Without a previous winner on the shortlist, tonight’s ceremony promises a renewal of the award’s relevance and credibility. It’s a chance for new stories to be told and new legends to be born.
The Future of the Ballon d’Or
As the Messi-Ronaldo era fades, the challenge lies not just with the players but with the award itself. Can the Ballon d’Or be more than a predictable showcase of the usual suspects? Will it once again become a platform for recognizing surprising brilliance, uplifting underdog stories, and celebrating diverse talent?
The current crop of nominees seems to indicate a shift towards this ideal. With future stars like Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, and Lamine Yamal waiting in the wings, there is an opportunity to make the Ballon d’Or a celebration of football’s variety, unpredictability, and global nature.
A Night to Watch
As the curtains rise tonight, fans will be watching closely to see whether Vinícius Júnior, Rodri, or Dani Carvajal claim the ultimate prize. But more than just a trophy presentation, this year’s ceremony is a chance for the Ballon d’Or to redefine itself—an opportunity to shake off the shadows of the Messi-Ronaldo era and embrace a broader, more inclusive vision of greatness.
Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that the 2024 Ballon d’Or will mark the beginning of a new chapter, and that is something every football fan should celebrate.
