Ballon d'Or 2024 The world's most prestigious football award unveiled

The Ballon d’Or, recognised worldwide as the pinnacle of individual achievement in football, has captivated fans for more than six decades. The award, rooted in history and presented annually by France Football, honours the world’s best male and female players, celebrating their skill, dedication and impact on the sport. With Ballon d’Or 2024 drawing closer, let’s explore what makes the award so important and explore this year’s potential contenders and emerging trends.

Overview

What is the Ballon d’Or?

The Ballon d’Or, which translates from French to “Golden Ball”, has been awarded since 1956. Originally open only to European players at European clubs, the award expanded globally in 1995 to include non-European players in European leagues. As of 2007, it became an international honour, allowing any player from around the world to compete. This development reflects the global nature of football and recognises the outstanding talent found across continents.

Each year, a panel of journalists from around the world vote for the player who has displayed the highest level of excellence throughout the season. Voting criteria include individual performance, team achievements, sportsmanship and overall impact on the sport. In recent years, the Ballon d’Or Féminin has also highlighted exceptional talent in women’s football, raising the prominence of the sport worldwide.

Why the Ballon d’Or matters

As the most prestigious individual award in football, the Ballon d’Or is a testament to a player’s influence, skill and leadership. For players, winning the Ballon d’Or is not only a career-defining achievement but also an acknowledgement of their impact on the sport and their ability to inspire future generations. For fans, the Ballon d’Or represents a spirit of competition, fuelling debate over who truly deserves the title of the best in the world.

Ballon d’Or legends

Several players have become legends in the history of the Ballon d’Or. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are synonymous with the award, winning multiple titles over the past two decades. Their rivalry captivates the football world, raising the stakes each season and setting unprecedented standards.

In the women’s category, players such as Megan Rapinoe and Ada Hegerberg have earned recognition, highlighting the growth and development of women’s football on a global stage. Their achievements have inspired more young girls to take up the sport and encouraged leagues around the world to invest in women’s football.

Who are the top contenders for Ballon d’Or 2024?

As we approach the 2024 awards, several players have emerged as frontrunners for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Lionel Messi

Even at 37, a move to Inter Miami in MLS hasn’t slowed Messi down. After his stellar performance at the 2022 World Cup and continued excellence at the club level, many consider him a strong candidate. If Messi wins the award, it will take his Ballon d’Or tally to historic new highs, further cementing his legacy.

Kylian Mbappe

The France forward has performed brilliantly, showing his skill in major competitions and proving to be a vital player for PSG. With his pace, technical ability and goal-scoring record, Mbappe remains a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, especially if he secures more trophies at the club and national level.

Erling Haaland

Known for his incredible goal-scoring consistency, Haaland’s impact at Manchester City has been transformative. Helping his team to numerous victories including the league title, Haaland could win his first Ballon d’Or this year, especially with his unique style and incredible influence on the field.

Alexia Putellas

In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas has been a sensation, leading her club to victory and establishing herself as the best midfielder in women’s football. Her skilful play-style and leadership on the field make her a worthy candidate for the Ballon d’Or Féminin.

What to expect at the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony

The Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony promises excitement and spectacle as it unveils this year’s best players in both men’s and women’s football. Held annually in Paris, the event has become a star-studded party where players, coaches and fans come together to honour football’s finest.

Several awards are presented at the ceremony:

The Ballon d’Or for the best male player.
The Ballon d’Or Féminin for the best female player.
The Copa Trophy for the best young player.
The Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper.

Each of these categories brings its own level of anticipation, celebrating not just experienced players but also emerging talents.

Trends and future of the Ballon d’Or

In recent years, the Ballon d’Or has seen a shift towards celebrating individual talent as well as team achievements. This trend acknowledges that football is a team sport and that players who contribute to their teams’ success are often the most deserving of the award.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the Ballon d’Or Féminine has promoted greater diversity, giving the football community a chance to honour outstanding female players and inspire young talent. As women’s football grows, so does the prestige of the award, indicating a bright future for gender inclusivity in the sport.

Why fans are excited for Ballon d’Or 2024

The excitement among fans for Ballon d’Or 2024 is palpable. Whether they support Messi, Mbappe, Haaland or Putellas, fans are excited to see which player wins the coveted trophy. Soccer has a unique way of uniting people, and the Ballon d’Or gives fans from all walks of life a chance to come together in admiration of the world’s top talents.

For fans in the United States, where soccer’s popularity has grown rapidly, the Ballon d’Or is an opportunity to see the global culture of soccer. As American leagues like MLS become more popular, American fans are becoming more invested in international awards and competitions, helping to bridge the gap between American soccer culture and the rest of the world.

Look Forward

The Ballon d’Or remains the highest honor for soccer players around the world. As we look toward the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony, we celebrate not just the players, but also their passion, dedication, and skill for the game. From the brilliance of Messi to the power of Haaland, from the genius of Mbappe to the elegance of Putellas, the Ballon d’Or honours football’s best players, inspiring fans and future stars alike.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, the Ballon d’Or 2024 is sure to provide unforgettable moments and celebrate the beautiful game in all its glory.