The race for the Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual accolade, is entering a crucial period. Major summer international tournaments – Euro 2024 and Copa America – are set to play a significant role in determining the winner.
Historically, players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modric have won the award after shining on the international stage. This year, we anticipate a Real Madrid player will receive the honor, following their Champions League victory at Wembley. However, the upcoming tournaments could alter the landscape.
Real Madrid boasts multiple contenders competing against one another at Euro 2024 and the Copa America. Based on the season’s performance so far, we’ve compiled a top 10 power ranking of potential Ballon d’Or candidates for the October ceremony in Paris.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo
At 39, Ronaldo has scored over 40 goals in 2023-24, more than any other player in world football. However, these achievements in the Saudi Pro League may not be enough to seriously contend for the award.
Ronaldo continues to lead Portugal’s national team. As the all-time top goalscorer in international football history, he has a chance to captain his country to a second European Championship. His Euro 2024 performance has been mixed so far, with notable assists but no goals yet. If Portugal wins Euro 2024, Ronaldo might enter the conversation for a sixth Ballon d’Or.
9. Federico Valverde
The energetic Uruguayan midfielder is gaining recognition for his vital contributions at Real Madrid. At the international level, Valverde takes center stage for Uruguay, embodying Marcelo Bielsa’s ideal player.
Uruguay has made a strong start to the Copa America. If Valverde can lead his team to victory following Real Madrid’s Champions League win, he could be a serious contender.
8. Florian Wirtz
Wirtz has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic season, which included their first-ever league title and the DFB Pokal. While Leverkusen’s Europa League campaign ended in defeat, Wirtz’s performances have been exceptional.
The 21-year-old has played a significant role in Germany’s bright start to Euro 2024. However, to challenge the biggest names from Europe’s top clubs, he would need an extraordinary performance in the knockout stages.
7. Lautaro Martinez
Martinez won Serie A’s top scorer award with 24 goals, leading Inter to the Scudetto. Despite Inter’s early Champions League exit, Martinez has impressed at the Copa America, currently leading the tournament’s scoring charts.
If Martinez can secure the Golden Boot and win the Copa America, he might re-enter the Ballon d’Or conversation as an outsider.
6. Harry Kane
Kane won his first European Golden Shoe this season but failed to end his trophy drought with Bayern Munich. To have a chance at the Ballon d’Or, Kane would need to lead England to Euro 2024 glory with some exceptional individual performances.
5. Lionel Messi
Despite playing in MLS, Messi remains a contender due to his previous World Cup triumph and his current form with Argentina in the Copa America. If he leads Argentina to a third consecutive major tournament victory, Messi could be in contention for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or.
4. Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid and his performances for France at Euro 2024 will be crucial to his Ballon d’Or chances. While he’s scored in the tournament, France faces a tough route to the final. A stellar performance leading to French victory could put Mbappé back in the running.
3. Toni Kroos
Kroos’s Champions League performances with Real Madrid have been exceptional. If he can lead Germany to Euro 2024 victory on home soil, he might become a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or, potentially becoming the first winner born in the 1990s.
2. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius was crucial in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double, scoring in the final. His performances in the latter stages of the Champions League were particularly impressive. However, his impact in the Copa America with Brazil could be the deciding factor in his Ballon d’Or prospects.
1. Jude Bellingham
In his debut season at Real Madrid, Bellingham has made an unprecedented impact, drawing comparisons to club legends. Despite a strong start at Euro 2024, his form has dipped slightly. However, with a favorable route to the final for England, Bellingham has a significant opportunity to cap off an impressive season with international success, potentially securing his position as the Ballon d’Or favorite.
