The 2024 Ballon d’Or, one of the most iconic events in world football, takes place today, October 28, at the traditional Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Organized by the French magazine France Football, the award ceremony is highly anticipated due to the presence of global football icons and, of course, the announcement of the year’s best male and female players. In this edition, Brazilian Vinícius Júnior stands out as one of the favorites for the men’s award, bringing hope to Brazil for a return to the top of world football after more than a decade.
Where and How to Watch the Ceremony Fans eager to follow every detail live can tune in to the broadcast starting at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) on TNT Sports, available on cable TV, as well as through the Max streaming platform. The coverage will include behind-the-scenes moments and exclusive interviews with the stars present at the event, which will feature various award categories celebrating different aspects of global football.
Favorites and Nominees for 2024 This year, the race for the men’s Ballon d’Or includes a list of nominees filled with talents who excelled throughout the season. Vinícius Júnior, a Real Madrid player, is one of the main contenders and could become the first Brazilian to win the award since Kaká in 2007. Among his strongest competitors are English player Jude Bellingham, his Real Madrid teammate, and Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, who shone last season both with Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team.
On the women’s side, the award is contested by some of the world’s best players, including Aitana Bonmatí, a key player for Barcelona and winner of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and Salma Paralluelo, also from Barcelona. The expectation is high for women’s football to continue gaining deserved visibility and prestige at the event, expanding recognition for athletes of all backgrounds and skills.
Award Categories Besides the main award for the best male and female player, the ceremony includes a series of categories that highlight different contributions to the sport. These awards include:
- Sócrates Award: Dedicated to players who stand out for humanitarian work and social projects, honoring the legacy of the Brazilian icon Sócrates.
- Kopa Trophy: Recognizes the best young player, with nominees such as Alejandro Garnacho, Arda Güler, and Savinho, a Brazilian who stood out at Girona and now plays for Manchester City.
- Yashin Trophy: Awards the best goalkeeper of the year, with competitors like Emiliano Martínez, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Diogo Costa.
- Coach of the Year: Split into male and female categories, this award honors the best coaches. In men’s football, names like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti are in contention, while on the women’s side, Arthur Elias, coach of the Brazilian women’s national team, is one of the favorites.
Additionally, there are awards for the best club of the year in both the men’s and women’s categories, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among the top contenders this year.
Expectations for Brazilians The presence of Brazilian players and coaches among this year’s nominees is a source of pride and anticipation. Besides Vinícius Júnior, who had a standout year at Real Madrid and is one of the favorites, Brazil has other representatives across various categories. Among them, Gabi Portilho, a player from Corinthians, and Tarciane, a defender for Houston Dash, are both nominated in women’s football. Coach Arthur Elias also brings prestige as he led the women’s national team in an excellent campaign in recent international competitions, solidifying his importance on the global stage.
Savinho, another Brazilian prospect, stands out in the competition for the Kopa Trophy. The young player attracted attention with his performance in La Liga for Girona and, more recently, for Manchester City.
Ceremony and Award Details Held in one of Paris’ most iconic venues, the ceremony promises to be a spectacle that combines glamour and tributes to athletes. With a pre-show on the red carpet, the guests will arrive before the awards ceremony, and many are expected to witness one of the sport’s most symbolic moments, when the winners receive the Ballon d’Or trophy. The importance of the event transcends football, promoting the union of athletes from different countries and cultures under the same goal: celebrating talent and dedication to the sport.
Impact and Legacy of the Ballon d’Or The Ballon d’Or is a tradition dating back more than 60 years and, over the decades, has witnessed the evolution of world football. In addition to awarding the best male and female players, the ceremony serves to document the careers of professionals who inspire millions of young people and fans around the world. Winning an award like this elevates any athlete’s career, setting a goal that motivates players to surpass their own limits. With the inclusion of various categories, the Ballon d’Or also acknowledges the work of coaches and clubs, reinforcing that success in football is the result of both collective and individual efforts.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or award ceremony marks another chapter in the history of football, where great stars will be celebrated, and Brazilians have strong chances to shine. The ceremony will be broadcast live, offering fans the opportunity to follow every detail of this celebration. Whether through individual players’ achievements or the strength of the teams they represent, the Ballon d’Or underscores what is best about football: the ability to unite people worldwide around a common passion.
