Ballon d’Or 2024: Date, Nominees, Where to Watch, Top Contenders
The Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony, one of football’s most highly anticipated events, is all set to take place on October 29, 2024. The Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris will host the glitzy gala, which celebrates the achievements of the top football players worldwide. This year’s edition is especially significant as it marks the first time in two decades that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo—who have a staggering 13 titles between them—are on the shortlist. Key Information About Ballon d’Or 2024 Ceremony Event Details Date October 29, 2024 Time (IST) 1:15 AM Location Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris Broadcast Network Sony Network Live Streaming Sony LIV app Ballon d’Or: A Brief History The Ballon d’Or, established by France Football magazine in 1956, is one of the most prestigious awards in football. The award celebrates individual excellence over a season (August to July), making it distinct from awards that consider a full calendar year. The selection process involves votes from 100 journalists representing each of the top FIFA-ranked countries, with each journalist naming their top 10 players of the season. Points are awarded based on rankings, with the top scorer ultimately winning the Ballon d’Or. Criteria for Selection The Ballon d’Or’s evaluation system focuses on three primary aspects of a player’s season: Notably, this year’s voting criteria have been updated to exclude a player’s entire career history, making it a true season-focused award. Top Candidates for the Men’s Ballon d’Or 2024 With Messi and Ronaldo out of the running, this year’s ceremony has drawn attention to a new generation of superstars. Here are the top contenders: Notable Absences This year’s absence of Messi and Ronaldo marks a historical shift in the Ballon d’Or landscape. While Messi holds a record eight titles—his most recent in 2023 following Argentina’s World Cup win—his move to Inter Miami means he will not contend this year. Similarly, Ronaldo’s transfer to the Saudi Pro League has placed him out of contention. Categories and Nominees This year’s Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony will feature various categories, each celebrating unique contributions in football: Among the women’s Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees, Aitana Bonmatí from Spain is a standout, having been a crucial part of Barcelona’s success. For young stars, Lamine Yamal (Spain/Barcelona) and Arda Güler (Real Madrid) are leading candidates for the Kopa Trophy. In the goalkeeping category, Emiliano Martínez (Argentina/Aston Villa) is favored after a stellar season. Historic Award Winners The Ballon d’Or award has celebrated some of football’s biggest legends. Here’s a glimpse of recent winners: Year Winner Country 2023 Lionel Messi Argentina 2022 Karim Benzema France 2021 Lionel Messi Argentina 2019 Lionel Messi Argentina 2018 Luka Modrić Croatia 2017 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Real Madrid’s Absence in Protest In a surprising move, Vinícius Júnior and his Real Madrid teammates are not expected to attend the ceremony. Club sources cite dissatisfaction with the voting process, expressing disappointment over the perceived “historic robbery” if Vinícius doesn’t win. The Brazilian star had been one of the favorites after an impressive season, but Madrid’s poor recent performance, including their recent El Clásico loss, may affect his chances. How to Watch Ballon d’Or 2024 Football fans worldwide can tune in to the Ballon d’Or 2024 via: Conclusion The Ballon d’Or 2024 represents a new era in football, with younger stars like Vinícius Júnior, Rodri, and Jude Bellingham poised to take over the spotlight. With the absence of Messi and Ronaldo, the award is set to usher in a new chapter for football’s elite. The outcome, particularly with the strong performances of both Manchester City and Real Madrid players, will shape the narrative for the sport’s next decade.
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