Europe Ballon d'Or 2024 Predictions: Who Will Succeed Messi?

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony marks a historic shift in football, with neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo on the shortlist. Emerging talents like Vinicius Junior, Rodri, and Jude Bellingham are in contention, signaling a new era in the sport. Fans eagerly await the announcement of the winner.

Today marks a historic moment in football as the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner will be announced. For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo appears on the 30-man shortlist, signaling a significant shift in the footballing landscape. The two legends have dominated the awards for years, winning a combined 13 titles in 16 years.

As the ceremony unfolds at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, anticipation builds around the new generation of talent vying for the prestigious award. Among the top contenders are Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland.

Vinicius Junior: The Favourite​

Vinicius Junior, the 24-year-old Brazilian winger who donned Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 shirt at Real Madrid, emerges as the frontrunner. His stellar performance in the past season, where he helped lead Los Blancos to victory in both La Liga and the Champions League, has established him as a prime candidate. With 24 goals and 11 assists to his name, many believe he could become the first Brazilian to claim the Ballon d'Or since Kaka.

Rodri: The Silent Assassin​

Manchester City’s Rodri has also made a compelling case for himself this year. With pivotal contributions in securing the Premier League title and triumphing at Euro 2024, Rodri is a strong contender, though he is expected to finish just behind Vinicius. Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, his influence in Pep Guardiola's squad cannot be overstated.

Jude Bellingham: A Rising Star​

Another name to watch is Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder has had a sensational debut season with Real Madrid, playing a key role in their success. His contributions in the Euro 2024 final with the Three Lions have solidified his place among the top three contenders, despite not scoring this season. At just 21 years old, Bellingham represents the future of football.

The Dark Horses​

Other notable players who might sneak into the top three include Erling Haaland, who despite an impressive 45-goal tally for Manchester City, faces challenges due to Norway's failure to qualify for Euro 2024. Likewise, Kylian Mbappe, who scored 52 goals for PSG before his anticipated move to Real Madrid, is seeking to make an impact despite a disappointing international tournament.

In the mix, Dani Olmo, Emiliano Martinez, and Florian Wirtz have also made their marks. Olmo’s crucial goals in the Euro 2024 victory and Martinez’s heroics in goal for Argentina add depth to the list of potential winners.

As fans and analysts eagerly await the results, one thing is clear: the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony not only marks a farewell to the Messi-Ronaldo era but also heralds the arrival of a fresh wave of footballing talent ready to make their mark on the world stage. Who will rise to claim the coveted trophy tonight?