Ballon d'Or 2024 Power Rankings: Bellingham, Mbappe, Haaland, and More

Discover the pinnacle of football glory with the Ballon d'Or, the esteemed accolade that unites the world's finest players on a single illustrious stage.

The Grand 2023 Ballon d'Or Gala

In a thrilling saga, Lionel Messi emerged triumphant in the 2023 Ballon d'Or, securing his record eighth title. Erling Haaland, showcasing brilliance at Manchester City, claimed the second spot, while the dynamic Kylian Mbappe seized the third position after a stellar season with PSG.

Messi's meteoric year included World Cup victory with Argentina and a notable venture with Inter Miami. On the flip side, Haaland's move to Manchester City proved transformative, marked by record-breaking feats and a triumphant treble, including the coveted Champions League title.

Mbappe's prowess shone as he propelled France to the final, securing the Ligue 1 title with PSG. The 2023 Ballon d'Or unveiled a trinity of football virtuosos, each etching their indelible mark on the beautiful game.

Anticipation Builds: The 2024 Ballon d'Or Contenders

As we delve into the future, the spotlight shifts to the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Explore our curated list of the top 10 players poised to vie for the prestigious award, driven by their exceptional performances throughout the year.

UEFA and Groupe Amaury's Vision for 2024

Excitingly, UEFA and Groupe Amaury have joined forces to co-organize the Ballon d'Or from 2024 onwards. This partnership, aimed at elevating the awards' global stature and fostering football unity, ensures the continued integrity of the existing voting system under Groupe Amaury's stewardship. UEFA brings its football expertise to manage global commercial rights and oversee the annual awards ceremony.

The collaboration introduces two new awards honoring the top male and female coaches of the year, expanding the celebration of football excellence.

Stay tuned for the December Power Rankings by Vbet News, offering insights into the evolving landscape of the 2024 Ballon d'Or race. The journey to football immortality continues, and the world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama in the realm of legends.

1. Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid's Midfield Maestro

• Club: Real Madrid

• Country: England

• Club stats in 2023/24:

Games: 17

Goals: 15

Assists: 4

Jude Bellingham, the World Cup 2022 sensation, has chosen Real Madrid as his platform for future excellence in the 2023/24 season. With five Man of the Match awards for Real Madrid and four for England, he's a standout performer. Bellingham's pivotal role in securing England's Euro 2024 spot makes him a strong Ballon d'Or contender.

Achievements:

Kopa Trophy winner at Ballon d'Or 2023

Golden Boy 2023 award recipient

2. Kylian Mbappe - PSG's Dynamic Forward

• Club: PSG

• Country: France

• Club stats in 2023/24:

Games: 18

Goals: 18

Assists: 2

Mbappe, France's hero in the World Cup final, continues to dazzle with PSG. His crucial goals in the Euro 2024 qualifiers position France as tournament favorites. A Ballon d'Or 2023 third-place finish showcases his excellence.

3. Erling Haaland - Manchester City's Goal Machine

• Club: Manchester City

• Country: Norway

• Club stats in 2023/24:

Games: 22

Goals: 19

Assists: 5

Haaland's spectacular 2022/23 season, crowned by a Champions League trophy, makes him a formidable force. Despite Norway's Euro 2024 absence, Haaland's impact in domestic competitions, including the Champions League, keeps him in the Ballon d'Or race.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo- A Phenomenon at Al Nassr

• Club: Al Nassr 

• Country: Portugal 
  

• Club stats in 2023/24:
  

Games: 20

Goals: 18

Assists: 9

Cristiano Ronaldo's inclusion in the Ballon d'Or 2024 Power Rankings may come as a delightful surprise. Despite playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Arabian league, the 38-year-old Portuguese maestro has showcased his timeless brilliance. With a second European Championship victory for Portugal potentially on the horizon, Ronaldo stands a strong chance of securing his 6th Ballon d'Or title, despite not making the top 30 in the 2023 rankings.

5. Harry Kane - A Force to Reckon with at Bayern Munich

• Club: Bayern Munich 
  

• Country: England 
  

• Club stats in 2023/24:
  

Games: 18

Goals: 22

Assists: 7

As the leader of the England national team, Kane has already shattered records, solidifying his position as a true icon. Now, donning the colors of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, he is poised to shine even brighter. The German powerhouse is currently one of the world's best teams, providing an ideal platform for Kane to showcase his skills. Notably, he secured the 19th spot in the Ballon d'Or 2023 rankings, a testament to his remarkable abilities. In just 17 games, Kane has already amassed an incredible tally of 22 goals and seven assists, leaving his mark on Germany's top-tier league.

6. Lautaro Martinez

• Club: Inter Milan 

• Country: Argentina
  

• Club stats in 2023/24:
  

Games: 18

Goals: 15

Assists: 2

Lautaro Martinez has garnered significant attention recently because of his impressive displays for both Inter and the Argentina national team.

The forward remains in excellent form, contributing to Inter's success in both domestic and European competitions with a remarkable record of 11 goals and two assists in 10 matches. Martinez finished 20th in the Ballon d'Or 2023.

 7. Rodri 

• Club: Manchester City 
  

• Country: Spain 
  

• Club stats in 2023/24:
  

Games: 18

Goals: 4

Assists: 6

Rodri is currently one of the brightest names in the world of football due to his outstanding performances for Manchester City and the Spain national team. 

The defensive midfielder plays a key role in the squad and has many times proved to be the game changer if needed. 

Rodri won a penalty against Manchester United which resulted to Erling Haaland's first goal against the rivals in the 3 - 0 victory. He was 5th in the Ballon d'Or 2023.

8. Son Heung-min: Spurs' South Korean Sensation

• Club: Tottenham 
  

• Country: South Korea
  

• Club stats in 2023/24:
  

Games: 15

Goals: 9

Assists: 2

In 15 thrilling games, Son has showcased his brilliance, netting an impressive 9 goals and delivering 2 crucial assists. The departure of Harry Kane seems to have unleashed Son's full potential, propelling Tottenham to the top of the Premier League table with a stellar record of 8 wins and 2 draws.

Son's impactful performances extend beyond individual achievements, as he forges a formidable partnership with summer signing James Maddison, contributing significantly to Tottenham's recent triumphs.

9. Bruno Fernandes 

• Club: Manchester United 

• Country: Portugal 
  

• Club stats in 2023/24:
  

Games: 20

Goals: 5

Assists: 5

Notably, Fernandes is a linchpin in Portugal's remarkable unbeaten streak in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, showcasing his impact on the international stage. Despite not securing a spot in the top 30 rankings of the Ballon d'Or 2023, his influence on the pitch remains unparalleled.

10. Vinicius Jr.

• Club: Real Madrid 

• Country: Brazil 
  

Club stats in 2023/24:

Games: 13

Goals: 6

Assists: 4

In the 2023/24 season, Vinicius Jr. has been a stalwart for Real Madrid, forming a dynamic partnership with Jude Bellingham. His contributions extend to the Brazilian national team, elevating their chances in the quest for the Copa America. Vinicius Jr. secured an impressive 6th position in the Ballon d'Or 2023.

11. Lionel Messi

• Club: Inter Miami 
  

• Country: Argentina 
  

• Club stats in 2023/24:
  

Games: 14

Goals: 11

Assists: 5

Despite a recent muscle injury, Messi was selected for the Argentina squad. He not only started the game but also scored his 30th and 31st goals in World Cup qualifying matches, establishing himself as the all-time leading scorer in South American World Cup qualifying history.

With the recent news of UEFA's role in organizing the upcoming Ballon d'Or, there's a possibility that Lionel Messi might no longer be among the top candidates to secure another Ballon d'Or award. UEFA's participation in the organization could potentially not favor players who do not participate in UEFA-sponsored competitions.

Who is most likely to win the Ballon d'Or 2024? 

As of now, Jude Bellingham's star is on the ascent, and he stands as the frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. His pivotal role as a midfield maestro for Real Madrid places him at the forefront of the race. Should Real Madrid secure both La Liga and Champions League titles, Bellingham's prospects would receive a significant boost.

Key Points:

Bellingham's impactful performance at Real Madrid.

Potential success in La Liga and Champions League enhances his candidacy.

Continued excellence with the England national team and success in Euro 2024 strengthen his claim.

Can Lionel Messi secure the Ballon d'Or in 2024? 

While his performance at Inter Miami may not guarantee notable success in the rankings, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner holds a promising chance.

Key Points:

Messi's journey with Inter Miami analyzed.

National team success crucial for Ballon d'Or prospects.

Aiming for glory: Messi's better chance if Argentina lifts the Copa America trophy.

Stay tuned as the football world anticipates the unfolding drama of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, with Bellingham and Messi at the forefront of the conversation.