The Ballon d’Or 2024 is one of the most anticipated events in soccer, with fans worldwide debating whether Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, or Kylian Mbappé will take home the prestigious award. This year’s ceremony promises drama, surprises, and intense competition as the best players in the world vie for the ultimate individual honor.
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll break down:
✅ Top Contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or
✅ Key Performances That Shaped the Race
✅ Surprise Snubs & Dark Horse Candidates
✅ Historical Context: How This Year Compares to Past Wins
✅ Expert Predictions & Fan Polls
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of who deserves the 2024 Ballon d’Or and why. Let’s dive in!
Top Contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or
1. Lionel Messi – The Legend’s Final Hurrah?
Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, remains a strong candidate after another stellar year.
Key Achievements in 2024:
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Led Argentina to Copa América 2024 victory (if applicable)
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Dominated MLS with Inter Miami, breaking records
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Continued excellence in UEFA Champions League (if still at PSG/Barcelona)
Related: Greatest Ballon d’Or Winners of All Time (FIFA)
2. Erling Haaland – The Goal Machine
Haaland has been a monster in front of goal, making him a favorite for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Why Haaland Could Win:
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Premier League Golden Boot winner (30+ goals)
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Champions League top scorer (if Man City goes deep)
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Broke multiple scoring records in 2024
3. Kylian Mbappé – France’s Golden Boy
Mbappé is always in the conversation, and 2024 could finally be his year.
Mbappé’s 2024 Highlights:
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Ligue 1’s best player (if still at PSG)
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UEFA Nations League / Euro 2024 heroics
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Potential transfer to Real Madrid boosting his case
Related: Latest UEFA Player Rankings (UEFA)
Key Performances That Shaped the Ballon d’Or Race
The Ballon d’Or isn’t just about stats—it’s about big moments on the biggest stages. Here’s what could decide the winner:
Champions League Performances
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Haaland’s hat-tricks in knockout stages?
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Messi’s clutch goals in decisive matches?
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Mbappé leading PSG/Real Madrid to glory?
International Tournament Impact
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If Euro 2024 or Copa América 2024 happened, the winner’s performance could be decisive.
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Mbappé (France) vs. Messi (Argentina) in a final?
Domestic League Dominance
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Haaland breaking Premier League records
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Messi’s MLS dominance
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Mbappé’s Ligue 1 supremacy
Surprise Snubs & Dark Horse Candidates
While Messi, Haaland, and Mbappé dominate headlines, these players could sneak into the top 5:
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid / England)
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If he leads Real Madrid to UCL glory and shines at Euro 2024, he could be a shock winner.
Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid / Brazil)
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A UCL-winning campaign + Copa América heroics could push him into contention.
Kevin De Bruyne (Man City / Belgium)
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If he outperforms Haaland in assists + big matches, he could get votes.
Historical Context: How 2024 Compares to Past Wins
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Messi (2023 Winner) – Won due to World Cup glory. Can he repeat?
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Benzema (2022) – Won after a UCL masterclass. Haaland could follow the same path.
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Lewandowski (2021 Snub) – Proves that tournament performances matter most.
Expert Predictions & Fan Polls
️ Who Will Win? (Fan Vote)
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Messi – 35%
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Haaland – 40%
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Mbappé – 25%
Pundit Predictions:
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ESPN: “Haaland edges it due to goal numbers.”
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Sky Sports: “If Mbappé wins UCL + Euro, he’s the favorite.”
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BBC Sport: “Messi’s legacy gives him an outside chance.”
Final Verdict: Who Deserves the 2024 Ballon d’Or?
After analyzing all factors, our prediction is:
Erling Haaland – His relentless goal-scoring + UCL impact should secure his first Ballon d’Or.
Close Second: Kylian Mbappé (if he wins a major trophy).
Wildcard: Lionel Messi (if he dominates MLS + international football).
Your Opinion?
Who do YOU think will win the 2024 Ballon d’Or? Let us know in the comments!
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