In 2023, Lionel Messi matched a historic milestone by securing his eighth Ballon d’Or. This prestigious honor came after an extraordinary year in which Messi played a pivotal role in leading Argentina to a World Cup victory.
Despite his phenomenal achievements, Erling Haaland, who had an outstanding season with Manchester City by winning the treble, finished second in the Ballon d’Or race and missed out on claiming the award for the first time in his career.
At 37 years old, Messi is currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Given his age and current career stage, it seems improbable that he will add a ninth Ballon d’Or to his illustrious career. This potential shift opens the door for other players to enter the race and possibly win the coveted award for the first time in many years.
Traditionally, the Ballon d’Or has been awarded based on a football player’s performance over a calendar year. However, the criteria have recently shifted. For only the second time in the award’s history, the votes for Messi’s latest win were based on the outcomes of the football season, rather than the calendar year.
This season-based assessment ran from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. Messi’s stellar performances during this period, particularly his contributions to Argentina’s World Cup success, were instrumental in securing his eighth Ballon d’Or.
Given the current season’s dynamics and players’ performances thus far, a new crop of contenders is emerging as potential winners of the Ballon d’Or in 2024. These rising stars and seasoned veterans alike are making their cases through remarkable performances and achievements on the field.
The shift to a season-based evaluation allows a broader spectrum of players to be considered, reflecting their impact and contributions throughout the defined period.
As we look forward to the 2024 Ballon d’Or, several players have already distinguished themselves as strong candidates. Their performances from August 2023 through July 2024 will be scrutinized, and those who excel in major competitions, both domestically and internationally, will likely be in the spotlight. This change in the award’s evaluation period ensures that the most consistent and impactful players over an entire season are duly recognized.
The list of the 20 most probable contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or includes players who have shown exceptional skill, leadership, and consistency.
These individuals are expected to dominate their respective leagues and international competitions, setting the stage for a highly competitive race for the prestigious award. As football continues to evolve, the Ballon d’Or remains a symbol of individual excellence, and the upcoming season promises to be an exciting showcase of talent vying for this honor.
