The 2024 Ballon d’or will be awarded this Monday at the Châtelet theater in Paris. The Brazilian Vinicius Junior (24 years old), winner of the Champions League and the Spanish championship with Real Madrid, is the huge favorite to succeed the Argentinian Lionel Messi. But how is the winner of this prestigious trophy chosen?
The winner is chosen by a jury made up of 100 journalists, one for each country in the top 100 of the FIFA rankings. Each member of the jury must give votes to 10 players in descending order. First place awards 15 points, tenth only one.
For Switzerland, Daniel Visentini from Tamedia replaced Christophe Cerf from RTS for the 2024 edition. “When I accepted this role, I received a charter which committed me to seriousness, respect and non- disclosure of my vote before it becomes effective, says the man who regularly writes for the Tribune de Genève. It is on the basis of this commitment that I made my choice among the 30 nominees.”
The 100 journalists have until September 30 to send their vote. Everyone is free to designate their top 10 as they wish, but there are limits that should not be crossed. The Argentinian Enrique Wolff, for example, was dismissed from his position and replaced by a colleague, after putting four players from his country in the first four positions in his list during the 2023 election.
“There are criteria that exist. It’s about electing the Ballon d’or on the basis of the performances accomplished, not about electing the one you would like to be Ballon d’or,” explains the Swiss voter.
Total objectivity is nevertheless impossible. And it is not necessarily desired. “I’m not a dictator, they can vote with their heart,” Ballon d’Or organizer Vincent Garcia told the Times.
“There is necessarily an element of subjectivity and personal feeling, this is what gives the salt of such an election,” confirms Daniel Visentini. How many points did he give to Granit Xhaka, the only Swiss nominee? Response within a few hours.
