The countdown to the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards is nearly over, with just a few days left before the top footballer of the year is announced.
The star-studded event will take place on October 28 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, where several elite players are in the running for the men’s award.
Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid is considered the frontrunner for his first win, though his teammate Jude Bellingham and Manchester City’s Rodri are also strong contenders.. .Continue Reading
Other players with an outside chance include Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, Real Madrid veteran Dani Carvajal, and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.
Kane, 31, netted 44 goals across all competitions last season during his debut campaign at Bayern Munich, following his move from Tottenham in the summer of 2023.
Despite his prolific scoring, Kane missed out on his first major trophy, as Bayer Leverkusen claimed a surprise Bundesliga title under coach Xabi Alonso.
Kane remains motivated to change that this season, continuing his fine form with 13 goals in just 10 games for Bayern, who currently lead the Bundesliga.
For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, though Kane still believes one of them could be regarded as the best player in the world.
In a recent interview with GOAL, Kane was asked: “Who is the best player in the world right now?”
To which he replied [via IMiaSanMia]: “Lionel Messi had a fantastic Copa America again, he is still playing at really high level.”
Messi is having a standout second season with Inter Miami, playing a key role in the team’s triumph in the MLS Supporters’ Shield by scoring 20 goals in 19 league matches.
Miami finished the season at the top of the table with 74 points, setting a new record for the most points collected during the league phase.
This success follows Messi leading Argentina to Copa America victory earlier in the summer.
Though not in the running for this year’s Ballon d’Or, Messi has backed one of his Argentina teammates, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, to win the prestigious award.
Messi said [via Gazzetta dello Sport]: “[Lautaro] had a spectacular year. He scored in the [Copa America] final and was the best scorer. He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else.”
