According to reports from France, two unexpected names have emerged in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
For the first time in nearly twenty years, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi are being considered for the Ballon d’Or.
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Indeed, the two have won a combined 13 Ballon d’Ors, with Messi taking home eight, including last year’s award, and Ronaldo five.
But this year, as the pair approach the end of their illustrious careers, a new generation of players is poised to compete for football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr have been prominent in the discussion for this year’s Ballon d’Or, with Bellingham excelling in his first season with the La Liga giants and assisting Vinicius Jr in scoring the decisive goal in the Champions League final.
Additionally, Manchester City’s Rodri is considered a top contender, having played a key role in his club’s record fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain’s record fourth European Championship victory.
However, according to L’Equipe, Argentina star Lautaro Martinez is also a strong candidate for the Ballon d’Or, after netting five goals in his six Copa America matches, including the winner in Sunday’s final.
Last season, Martinez also tallied 24 goals and six assists in 33 games for Inter, leading them to the Serie A title.
Meanwhile, the publication has suggested that Dani Carvajal is also in contention.
The right-back secured his fourth La Liga title and his sixth Champions League trophy with Real Madrid last season, scoring the opening goal in the latter’s final.
Carvajal was also a mainstay in the Spain team that won Euro 2024, defeating England 2-1 in the final.
