The nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or were announced on Wednesday, highlighting a strong presence from England and Spain, with six English stars and several players from Spain’s Euro 2024 squad and Real Madrid’s Champions League-winning team making the list.
Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior is among the frontrunners after an impressive season with Real Madrid, where he helped secure both La Liga and Champions League titles.
He is joined by five Real Madrid teammates: Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger, and Fede Valverde. Kylian Mbappe, who recently transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, is also a top contender.
Spain’s successful Euro 2024 squad is well-represented, with nominees including Dani Olmo, Rodri, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, and Alejandro Grimaldo. Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane are also among the 30 players nominated. Notably, five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, now 39, did not make the list.
In the coaching category, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga season, is a strong candidate for best coach. He faces competition from Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Spain’s national coach Luis de la Fuente.
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona and Spain will aim to retain her Ballon d’Or title.
Former winners Ada Hegerberg and Alexia Putellas are also in contention, alongside five members of the United States’ Olympic gold medal-winning team: Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Lindsey Horan, and Alyssa Naeher.
The winners of this year’s Ballon d’Or will be revealed at the ceremony in Paris on October 28, 2024.
