This Monday, October 28, the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or will be revealed.
Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior is the main contender for this prestigious prize, which will be awarded this Monday, October 28.
Spanish players Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas are also strong candidates in the women’s category.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place this Monday, October 28, at 2:45 p.m. Colombian time, broadcast on ESPN, Disney + and L’Equipe (YouTube).
At just 24 years old, Vinícius has a strong chance, thanks to his impressive tally of 26 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances last season for Real Madrid, where he won both the Champions League and La Liga.
In another register, FC Barcelona pulverized Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, thus consolidating its lead at the top of LaLiga.
This could mark a significant milestone for a player who has consistently delivered standout performances but has only appeared twice in France Football’s final list of nominees, placing eighth in 2022 and sixth last year.
Additionally, it will be the first time in many years that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not among the nominees, having dominated world football in recent years.
British midfielder Jude Bellingham, also from Real Madrid, is in the running, having been runner-up at the Euro with England.
In other news, the controversy surrounding Inter Miami’s invitation to the Club World Cup continues.
Spanish midfielder Rodri, champion with Spain at the Euros and with Manchester City in the Premier League, is also accumulating points towards the Ballon d’Or.
Spain’s victory at the European Championship could also propel Dani Carvajal, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid, alongside the former Toni Kroos. Other notable names include Phil Foden of England and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
For the first time, a prize will also be awarded to the best coach of last season. Leading candidates include Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti of Italy, Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso of Spain, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni.
Prominent figures among women’s team coaches include Jonatan Giraldez of Barcelona, Arthur Elias of Corinthians and Sonia Bompastor of Lyon.
