The 2024 Ballon d’Or race is one of the most hotly contested in years, featuring three young superstars: Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Erling Haaland. Each of these players has had a remarkable season, making a strong case for why they deserve to win the prestigious award.
Jude Bellingham: The Midfield Maestro
At just 21 years old, Jude Bellingham has taken the football world by storm. Since his transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, Bellingham has quickly become the heartbeat of the team, displaying maturity and skill beyond his years. His performances in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League have been nothing short of sensational. Bellingham has scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions, an incredible tally for a midfielder【6†source】.
What sets Bellingham apart is his ability to control the game from midfield, breaking up opposition play, and driving his team forward with a blend of physicality, technical skill, and vision. His impact on Real Madrid’s success has been immense, making him the top candidate for the Ballon d’Or. Moreover, his heroics for England at Euro 2024, where he scored a crucial overhead kick in injury time to keep his team in the tournament, have further solidified his standing as the frontrunner for the award【8†source】.
Vinícius Júnior: The Brazilian Sensation
Vinícius Júnior has emerged as one of the most electrifying wingers in world football. The Brazilian forward has been a key player for Real Madrid, consistently delivering game-changing performances. In the 2023/24 season, Vinícius continued to terrorize defenses with his blistering pace, dribbling, and ability to score crucial goals. His chemistry with Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid has been a significant factor in the team’s success this season.
Vinícius’s contributions go beyond goals and assists; he brings flair and creativity to the pitch, often unlocking stubborn defenses with his skillful play. Despite being overshadowed by Bellingham in some matches, Vinícius’s importance to Real Madrid cannot be understated. His ability to perform in big matches, particularly in the Champions League, keeps him in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or【7†source】.
Erling Haaland: The Goal Machine
Erling Haaland has continued to redefine what it means to be a modern striker. After narrowly missing out on the 2023 Ballon d’Or, Haaland is back with a vengeance. The Norwegian has been a goal-scoring phenomenon for Manchester City, breaking records and helping his team to another Premier League title. With 27 goals in the league and a host of others in domestic and European competitions, Haaland’s case for the Ballon d’Or is built on his unmatched goal-scoring ability【8†source】.
However, Haaland’s chances could be hindered by Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024, which limits his exposure on the international stage. Despite this, his consistent performances in the Champions League, where he remains one of the top scorers, ensure that he remains a strong contender for the award.
Conclusion: A Tight Race
The race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is extremely close, with each candidate bringing something unique to the table. Jude Bellingham’s all-around brilliance and influence in both club and international football make him the most likely candidate to win. However, Vinícius Júnior’s flair and consistency, along with Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess, ensure that the race remains open until the very end.
The final decision will likely hinge on the latter stages of the Champions League and how these players finish the season. But as it stands, Jude Bellingham appears to have the edge in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Ballon d’Or contests in recent memory.