The Ballon d’Or 2024 shortlist has been officially confirmed, featuring a blend of established football giants and emerging talents ready to make their mark. This year’s nominations are filled with familiar names, but a few fresh faces have the potential to stir up the competition. Among those standing out is England’s Jude Bellingham, who has had an exceptional year both at the club and international levels.
Jude Bellingham Shines in a Stellar Year
Jude Bellingham, who currently plays for Real Madrid, has secured his spot among the nominees for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. The 21-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a phenomenal year, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s triumphs in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Bellingham’s influence was not limited to club football; he also played a pivotal role in leading England to the final of Euro 2024, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform on the biggest stages.
Bellingham’s nomination is a testament to his rapid rise in the football world, where he has become one of the most talked-about talents. His inclusion in the Ballon d’Or shortlist highlights his remarkable progress and cements his place as one of the brightest young stars in the sport. As the awards approach, all eyes will be on Bellingham to see if he can cap off his extraordinary year by winning the coveted prize.
Premier League Stars Dominate the Shortlist
The Ballon d’Or 2024 shortlist also features a strong representation from the Premier League, with several stars from England’s top tier making the cut. Manchester City leads the pack with four of their key players—Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Rodri—nominated for the men’s award. This comes as no surprise, given Manchester City’s dominant performance over the past season, which saw them clinch their fifth consecutive Premier League title.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard also join the elite list, reflecting the club’s resurgence in both domestic and European competitions. Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, who has been crucial in his team’s success, is not only up for the Ballon d’Or but also contending for the goalkeeping award, further highlighting the depth of talent within the Premier League.
Manchester City’s incredible season has also earned them a nomination for the men’s club of the year award. They will face stiff competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Girona, and Bayer Leverkusen, all of whom have had outstanding campaigns in their respective leagues.
Rising Stars and Women’s Nominees Highlight the Future
In addition to the established stars, the Ballon d’Or 2024 shortlist celebrates the emerging talents that could shape the future of football. Manchester United youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have both been nominated for the Kopa Trophy, an award given to the best under-21 player. Their inclusion on the shortlist reflects Manchester United’s continued focus on developing young talent, and both players are seen as key figures in the club’s future.
Euro 2024 winner Lamine Yamal also features on the Kopa Trophy shortlist, marking his arrival on the international stage after a breakthrough tournament. The young Spaniard’s performances have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, and his nomination is seen as just the beginning of what could be a glittering career.
On the women’s side, the nominations include top performers such as Lauren James, Lauren Hemp, Lucy Bronze, and Khadija Shaw. These players have been instrumental in their teams’ successes and are all in the running for the women’s Ballon d’Or. Their inclusion not only highlights their individual brilliance but also reflects the growing recognition of women’s football on the global stage.
As the football world eagerly awaits the announcement of the Ballon d’Or winners, the 2024 shortlist is a reminder of the wealth of talent across the sport. From seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, this year’s awards promise to be as exciting as ever.
Ballon d’Or Men’s award shortlist in full
Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
Lautaro Martinez – Inter
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter
Rodri – Man City
Declan Rice- Arsenal. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
Cole Palmer – Chelsea
Vitinha – PSG
Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid. Martin Odegaard – Arsenal
Dani Olmo – Barcelona
Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen
Mats Hummels – Roma. Erling Haaland – Man City
Nicolas Williams – Athletic Bilbao
Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen
Artem Dovbik – Roma. Toni Kroos – Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
Phil Foden – Man City
Ruben Dias – Man City
