The 68th edition of the Ballon d'Or will take place on Monday, October 28, 2024, in Paris. A new addition this year is the introduction of the Coach of the Season award, with trophies for both a men's and a women's team. Real Madrid players Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Toni Kroos are likely to be strong contenders after leading their team to Champions League and La Liga titles.
Barcelona retained their Women's Champions League title thanks to goals from Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, former Ballon d'Or winners, in the final against Lyon.
Voters must consider individual player performances, their team's success, and fair play.
Nominations will be announced on September 4.
The Ballon d'Or is a football trophy awarded to the best player of the calendar year. It has been awarded by the French magazine France Football since 1956.
Criteria considered for awarding the Ballon d'Or include individual performances in club and national team competitions, collective achievements, impact on the game, and the player's media profile. International journalists are responsible for voting to determine the winner.
In 2023, the Ballon d'Or was won by Argentine player Lionel Messi, who was recognized for his exceptional performances with FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team.
In 2024, many top-level players will be in the running for the prestigious trophy, and favorites for the title may vary depending on performances throughout the year.
Possible Contenders
These players could be contenders for the Ballon d'Or this year:
Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): Considered one of the best players in the world, Mbappé has already won numerous trophies and could continue to shine in 2024.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Haaland is one of the most prolific strikers of his generation, and if he continues his impressive form, he could be a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or.
João Félix (Atlético Madrid): The young Portuguese prodigy has already made a splash in La Liga and the Champions League, and if he continues to progress, he could be a Ballon d'Or candidate.
Phil Foden (Manchester City): Considered one of the best prospects in English football, Foden has already won several trophies with Manchester City and could continue to shine in 2024.
Jadon Sancho (Manchester United): After proving himself at Dortmund, Sancho could continue to excel with Manchester United and play a major role in the Ballon d'Or race.
Of course, other players may emerge and join the race for the Ballon d'Or in 2024, but these names are among the potential favorites based on their talent and potential.