On Monday night, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed. Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, is currently the front-runner to win, surpassing Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid.
The most prestigious individual award in football is entering a new era. The question is, who will be the first man to lead us there? The Ballon d’Or has been shared by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for 13 of the last 16 years—eight for Messi and five for Ronaldo, for those of you who like counting such things—due to their respective entries into the twilight of their careers in the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Even though Kylian Mbappe was long thought to be the most likely player, his Euro 2024 nightmare and his season-ending disappointment at PSG following yet another Champions League loss make it doubtful that he will be near the podium on Monday night.
Vinicius Jr., his new Real Madrid teammate and the lightning-fast flying machine who led Los Blancos to Spanish and European success the previous season, was expected to win instead. Jude Bellingham, an England star with aspirations for the throne himself, provided him with capable assistance.
However, it was revealed on Monday that the European champions would not be sending any representatives to the prestigious award event, meaning that both Galacticos would not be receiving the prize.
Despite this, it is anticipated that Manchester City midfielder Rodri will be named the world’s best player, surpassing both Real Madrid and his teammate Erling Haaland. Rodri was instrumental in City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title before leading Spain to Euro 2024, defeating England in the final. Before the ceremony, we asked our Mirror Football writers to predict their 1-2-3 and to select their most likely winner as well. Here is what they came up with.
Andy Dunn
1. Vinicius Jr
2. Rodri
3. Erling Haaland
The purists would always tell you that there is a clear bias in favor of attacking players with flair when it comes to individual honors, and they would be correct. But it should be that way.
When a super band is successful, who gets the credit? The band’s harmony is maintained by the lead singer’s showmanship, not by the extremely talented bassist. And records are sold by that person.
The significance of Rodri to his team and nation cannot be emphasized, but at a successful, star-studded Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior has been THE brilliant talent. You sit and nod your head in admiration of Rodri’s unrelenting perfection, but Vinicius Junior urges you jump up from your chair, therefore the Brazilian deserves the nod.
Because he is a very unique kind of prolific attacker, Erling Haaland makes it to the podium.
Neil McLeman
1. Rodri
2. Vinicius Jr
3. Lautaro Martinez
If I had to choose between Premier League favoritism and recency prejudice, I would pick Rodri of Manchester City.
Despite missing the final due to injury, the Spaniard has excelled for both club and country and was named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024.
His injury this season, like Vinicius Jr.’s Champions League hat-trick this week, is not strictly relevant because the Ballon D’Or is now given out based on performances from the previous European season rather than the calendar year. When Uruguay eliminated his country from the Copa America, the Brazilian, who had won La Liga and the Champions League the previous season, was suspended.
My third pick demonstrates my personal prejudice in favor of Martinez, a forward for Inter Milan who outperformed Lionel Messi to win the Copa America Golden Boot after winning the Serie A championship and capocannoniere.
David Anderson
1. Rodri
2. Vinicius Jr
3. Erling Haaland
Although holding midfielders are not considered for the Ballon d’Or, Rodri should be because he has been the world’s finest No. 6.
Even though he missed the second half of the final against England due to an injury, he was substantially responsible for Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 and helped Manchester City win the Premier League for the fourth time in a row.
Because he is a forward, a Brazilian, and a Real Madrid player, Vinicius Junior is likely to win it and meets all the requirements. However, when your team has a lot of money and can purchase the greatest players available, winning the Champions League and La Liga is much simpler.
Due of Norway’s lack of international success and exclusion from Euro 2024, Erling Haaland appears to trail behind them. His backheel volley against Sparta Prague, however, redefined the phrase sensational, and his goalscoring exploits for City are just astounding.
Daniel Orme
1. Jude Bellingham
2. Vinicius Jr
3. Rodri
Jude Bellingham, a star for Real Madrid and England, has been incredibly brilliant despite a challenging start to the new season. In his first season in Spain, the midfielder scored an incredible 23 goals, and Los Blancos won another Champions League crown thanks to his valiant efforts.
In addition, he played a key role in the Three Lions’ run to the Euro final. However, he and his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr. remain very close; the Brazilian has already contributed eight goals and seven assists this season.
Despite his incredible achievements for both City and Pep Guardiola, Manchester City star Rodri should be among the front-runners, but his chances of winning the trophy may be dashed due to a long-term knee injury he sustained earlier in the season.
