The 2024 edition of the Ballon d’Or, one of the most anticipated events in world football, promises to be a grand celebration of the planet’s best players. The ceremony will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) and will be broadcast live on both the TNT TV channel and the Max streaming platform. Organized by the French magazine France Football, the event highlights the brightest football stars, and this year’s competition features some of the most outstanding talents in men’s and women’s football.
Main nominees
Among the top contenders is Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior, a Real Madrid player and one of the favorites for the top prize in the men’s category. If he wins, Vinícius will become the eighth Brazilian to receive the Ballon d’Or, once again placing Brazil among the key players in this prestigious award. Other strong candidates include England’s young sensation Jude Bellingham, also from Real Madrid, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland from Manchester City, and French superstar Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain.
In the women’s category, the competition is equally fierce. Aitana Bonmatí, a standout from Barcelona and World Cup winner with the Spanish national team, is one of the favorites. Representing Brazil are Gabi Portilho from Corinthians and Tarciane Lima from Houston Dash, both of whom have had stellar performances for their respective teams.
Award categories
In addition to the Ballon d’Or for the best male and female player in the world, other important awards will be presented. These include the Yashin Trophy, which recognizes the best goalkeeper of the season, and the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player. In the Yashin Trophy category, Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) and Mike Maignan (Milan) are among the favorites, while young stars such as Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) are some of the standout names for the Kopa Trophy.
The significance of the award
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious trophies in football, having been awarded since 1956 to the best player in the world. Although Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award in recent decades—Messi with eight titles and Ronaldo with five—2024 marks a new era, as neither of these two legends is participating. This opens up the field for a new generation of talent, making the competition more unpredictable than ever.
The award also highlights the growth of women’s football, with more recognition and visibility for female players. In 2024, the women’s category continues to evolve, spotlighting athletes who have been instrumental in advancing the sport. The recognition of these players is an important milestone in elevating women’s football globally.
Expectations and possible winners
Vinícius Júnior is emerging as one of the top favorites in the men’s category, especially after a standout season with Real Madrid, where he played a crucial role in the Champions League victory. However, the competition is fierce, with Haaland and Mbappé also seen as strong contenders. Haaland, for instance, was instrumental in Manchester City’s historic treble last season, which included winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cup.
In women’s football, Aitana Bonmatí is widely regarded as one of the most complete players today, combining technical skills, game vision, and leadership on the field. Her performances in the World Cup and Barcelona’s campaign make her a top contender. However, Gabi Portilho and Tarciane also stand strong, representing Brazil with high-level performances.
Ballon d’Or 2024 timeline
- September 2024: Announcement of the nominees in the men’s, women’s, and other trophy categories (Kopa and Yashin).
- October 28, 2024: Award ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, starting at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time).
- Broadcast: The event will be broadcast live on TNT and the Max streaming platform.
Interesting facts about the nominees
- Vinícius Júnior: If he wins, he will be the first Brazilian to claim the Ballon d’Or since Kaká in 2007.
- Erling Haaland: His goal-scoring prowess and central role in Manchester City’s historic season make him a favorite.
- Kylian Mbappé: Despite a lack of major titles in 2023, Mbappé remains one of the world’s most talented and decisive players.
- Aitana Bonmatí: As a World Cup champion with Spain and a key player for Barcelona, Bonmatí is poised to win the title of the world’s best female player for the first time.
Final thoughts
The 2024 Ballon d’Or promises to be an exciting event, highlighting new stars on the global football stage. This year’s ceremony showcases a generation of players shaping the future of football. Additionally, the presence of Brazilian athletes in both the men’s and women’s categories reaffirms Brazil’s role as a footballing powerhouse, constantly relevant on the world stage. With high expectations, the football world will be watching closely as Paris takes center stage on October 28.
