The highly anticipated 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, the prestigious award presented by France Football magazine, will take place at the historic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris this Monday, October 28. This event celebrates the top talents in football and includes categories for the best male and female players, the best coach, along with special awards for best goalkeeper, under-21 player, and social impact initiatives.
Live Broadcast and Where to Watch
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be broadcast exclusively by TNT and Max channels, available both on cable and streaming. The event will begin at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time), with a pre-show at 3:00 p.m. covering red-carpet moments as major football stars arrive. TNT Sports and Max, handling the broadcast, will provide expert analysis and live commentary on the expectations and main contenders of the night.
Key Contenders and Nominees
Among the favorites for the men’s trophy, Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid stands out as a leading Brazilian candidate following a strong season in European football, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, where his contributions were crucial to the team’s success. The Brazilian striker has a chance to bring the award to Brazil for the first time since Kaká’s 2007 win. Other key contenders include England’s Jude Bellingham, also performing brilliantly for Real Madrid, and Norway’s Erling Haaland, whose achievements with Manchester City boost his chances.
For the women’s category, two Brazilian players have been nominated: Gabi Portilho from Corinthians and Tarciane Lima from Houston Dash. Internationally, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí from Barcelona and Norway’s Ada Hegerberg are top contenders for the main prize. Since 2018, the inclusion of the women’s category has made the event more comprehensive, reflecting the significant growth and recognition of women’s football over the years.
Other Categories and Award Updates
Beyond the awards for best male and female players, the Ballon d’Or will also present the Yashin Trophy for the season’s best goalkeeper, the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player, and the Gerd Müller Trophy, which honors the season’s top scorer. The Sócrates Trophy is also awarded to recognize players’ social impact projects. This year, many are expecting record-breaking performances from players known for their positive influence on and off the field.
The History of the Ballon d’Or
Since its creation in 1956, the Ballon d’Or has become one of the most respected awards in global football. Organized by France Football magazine, the ceremony has honored legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who dominated the men’s category for over a decade. Messi, the current titleholder, and Aitana Bonmatí, who won the women’s award in 2023, underscore the prestige and diversity of this ceremony, which captivates football fans worldwide.
Hopes and Expectations for Brazilian Players
Vinicius Junior’s presence as one of the favorites generates high hopes among Brazilian fans, as he may finally break Brazil’s Ballon d’Or drought. Amid a career marked by both challenges and triumphs, Vinicius embodies Brazilian talent and resilience in European football. Likewise, the nominations of Gabi Portilho and Tarciane Lima highlight the growing prominence and quality of Brazilian women’s football on a global stage, where players are gaining more recognition.
Full Ceremony Schedule
For those looking to follow every detail, the event follows a precise schedule. The live broadcast starts with the pre-show at 3:00 p.m. (Brasília time), featuring interviews and red-carpet moments. The main ceremony begins an hour later, at 4:00 p.m., where winners in all categories will be announced. After the conclusion, TNT Sports will hold a post-show with exclusive interviews and reactions from the awardees.
With high expectations, the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony promises to be a memorable event that showcases talent, dedication, and impactful stories in both men’s and women’s football. Brazilian fans will be watching closely, hoping Vinicius Junior will raise Brazil’s name on the international stage.
