The most awaited time of the football world has come. The prestigious Fifa Ballon d’Or 2024 is coming up with another immense exciting edition. The FIFA Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees have been revealed ahead of the ceremony, set for October 28 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. This year’s Ballon d’Or brings a surprising twist, with neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo making the list. Let’s take a look at the 30 male nominees for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2024.
No Messi-Ronaldo for Ballon d’Or 2024:
For the first time in over 20 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo is on the Ballon d’Or nominees list for 2024, announced on September 4. This marks the first time since 2003 that both players are absent from the shortlist.
Cristiano Ronaldo was a regular on the Ballon d’Or list from 2004 to 2022, while Lionel Messi received his first nomination in 2006. Messi holds the record with eight Ballon d’Or wins, his most recent in 2023. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has won the award five times.
Who are the Male Nominees for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2024?
The FIFA Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees have been revealed. Let’s take a look at the star-studded lineup of players on this year’s list.
Antonio Rudiger(Real Madrid): Antonio Rudiger, the star defender of the Real Madrid secured his place in this year’s FIFA Ballon d’Or 2024. Throughout this year, he has showcased best performances. But his best performance came earlier this year against Mallorca.
He delivered one of his standout performances of last season in a match against Mallorca on January 3, 2024, during the Primera Division’s regular season. He earned a match rating of 7.9, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory. Because of hisexceptional contribution, he has been nominated in this award.
Kylian Mbappe(Real Madrid): Kylian Mbappe is the second name of the list. Before the start of the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying campaign, Didier Deschamps appointed him as the new captain of the France national team, following Hugo Lloris’s retirement from international football.
During the qualifiers, Mbappé reached a milestone by becoming the youngest player to make 70 appearances for France. He then surpassed Michel Platini and Antoine Griezmann to become the third-highest goalscorer in the history of Les Bleus. He is a big runner in this race.
Lautaro Martinez(Inter): Martinez delivered an outstanding performance last season, finishing as the top scorer in Serie A and making a mark across all competitions. He also had a successful summer, winning the Copa America with Argentina. In the Serie A, he scored 24 goals and added two more in the Champions League.
Given his impressive achievements, it is clear that Martinez has a strong case for a nomination. His consistent goal-scoring ability and contributions on the field make him a deserving candidate for recognition.
Ademola Lookman(Atlanta): Lookman has gradually realized his potential, with 2024 being his standout year so far. He scored three goals and was among Nigeria’s top performers as the Super Eagles reached the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast.
At club level, he netted 11 goals, contributing to Atalanta’s fourth-place finish in Serie A and securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League. However, his finest moment came in the Europa League final in May, where he scored a hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, handing the German club their only defeat of the season and securing the trophy for his team.
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Alejandro Grimaldo(Bayer Leverkusen): Playing as a left-wing back, Grimaldo had an exceptional season for Die Werkself, scoring 15 goals and providing 20 assists. His outstanding performance throughout the campaign led to his first-ever selection for the Spanish national team.
Grimaldo’s impressive form continued on the international stage, where he played a key role in Spain’s journey to victory at the 2024 European Championships. His contributions helped Spain lift the trophy.
Dani Carvajal(Real Madrid): Carvajal enjoyed a standout season with Real Madrid, securing victories in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. His contributions were vital to the team’s success across all competitions.
In the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, Carvajal scored the opening goal. This achievement made him the first defender to score the opening goal in a final since Sergio Ramos in the 2015-16 season.
William Saliba(Arsenal): William Saliba, after being named in the PFA Team of the Year, has received another personal accolade with his Ballon d’Or nomination. The French defender is establishing himself as one of the top centre-backs globally, and this recognition highlights his impressive rise in the sport.
While defenders typically face tougher competition for the Ballon d’Or compared to attackers, Saliba’s nomination is a significant achievement. It reflects his outstanding performance and growing influence in football, marking a proud moment in his career.
Lamine Yamal(Barcelona): Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, had an exceptional breakthrough season with Barcelona. He played a key role for the team throughout the 2023-24 season and significantly contributed to Spain’s Euro 2024 victory during the summer.
His impressive performance has earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination, making him the youngest player ever to be considered for this prestigious award at 17 years and 53 days old. Yamal’s nomination highlights his remarkable talent and potential at such a young age.
Bukayo Saka(Arsenal): Bukayo Saka, showing great maturity in 2024, is the second Arsenal player to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination. As Arsenal’s top scorer last season, he made significant contributions, including key goals against Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur.
Saka also shone for England at EURO 2024, notably scoring a spectacular goal against Switzerland that took the match into extra time, leading England to victory. His standout performances throughout the year make his Ballon d’Or nomination well-deserved and highlight his exceptional talent and impact on the field.
Hakan Calhanoglu(Inter): Hakan Çalhanoğlu has made it to the Ballon d’Or 30-man shortlist. Known for his exceptional skills as a deep-lying playmaker, Çalhanoğlu has been influential in midfield, showcasing his ability to control the game effectively.
The 30-year-old also demonstrated his precision and reliability, particularly with his penalty-taking. His consistent performances throughout the season have earned him recognition as one of the top playmakers globally, reflecting his significant impact on the field.
Rodri(Man City): Last year, Rodri was a strong contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or after helping Manchester City win the treble under Pep Guardiola. This year, his nomination reflects an impressive unbeaten run with City.
Rodri, described as the ‘perfect computer’ by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, concluded a successful season by winning UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain. His exceptional performances throughout the season, both at the club and international levels, have solidified his place on the nominee list.;
Declan Rice(Arsenal): In his first full year with Arsenal, Declan Rice has earned a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Rice, who set a new transfer record for Arsenal in 2023 as their first £100m+ signing, has made a significant impact.
His impressive performances extended to the international stage as well. Rice played a key role in helping England reach the final of the 2024 UEFA Euro. His standout contributions at both club and national levels have rightfully earned him a spot on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
Harry Kane(Bayern Munich): Harry Kane has received another individual accolade, securing the England Top Goalscorer award for the 2023/24 season. Kane scored seven goals, finishing ahead of Jude Bellingham, who came in second with four goals.
Kane’s impressive goal-scoring performance at the international level played a crucial role in England reaching the European Championship final for the second consecutive time. Despite not being fully fit during the tournament, Kane’s contributions were significant throughout the campaign.
Cole Palmer(Chelsea): Cole Palmer has been nominated for the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or. After joining Chelsea from Manchester City last September, Palmer had an impressive debut season at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists in the Premier League. His standout performance earned him a spot in the England squad for the European Championship, where he scored in the final against Spain.
Palmer has continued to shine at the start of the current season, contributing four assists and a goal in Chelsea’s first four Premier League matches. His consistent performance has solidified his place among the top players of the year.
Vitinha(PSG): For the first time in his career, the Portuguese international is among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or. He had an outstanding 2023-2024 season with Paris Saint-Germain, making 46 appearances across all competitions. He scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists.
He played a crucial role in PSG’s successful season, contributing to their Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions victories. Additionally, he helped the team reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Vinicius Jr(Real Madrid): Vinicius played a key role in Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign. The winger was crucial in their semi-final victory over Bayern Munich. He continued his strong form from the La Liga season, where he helped Real Madrid secure the title.
In the UEFA Champions League final, Vinicius scored the decisive goal against Borussia Dortmund. His contributions throughout the tournament and his match-winning performance in the final were significant in Real Madrid’s success.
Martin Odegaard(Arsenal): Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s captain, is the first player from the club to be included in the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Throughout 2024, Odegaard has been a standout performer for Arsenal.
Despite his impressive season, which saw him excel as the team’s leader, Arsenal narrowly missed out on winning the Premier League title for the 2023/24 season. Odegaard’s contribution was crucial, and his strong performances throughout the year have earned him this prestigious nomination.
Dani Olmo(Barcelona): Dani Olmo is also recognized in the Ballon d’Or nominations, reflecting his exceptional performance in Germany over the summer. His impressive form during the international fixtures has earned him a spot among the world’s top players.
However, Olmo’s consistency was less evident in the Bundesliga and Champions League during the 2023-24 season. He started only 19 games across both competitions, showing that his outstanding summer performance was not fully matched by his club form throughout the year.
Florian Wirtz(Bayer Leverkusen): Florian Wirtz made a significant impact during the 2023/24 season with 22 goal contributions. His standout moment came with a hat-trick against Hoffenheim, which was crucial in securing the Bundesliga title for Leverkusen.
Wirtz’s performances throughout the season have cemented his place in Leverkusen’s history. His ability to consistently deliver key contributions played a major role in the team’s success and is remembered as a highlight of the season.
Mats Hummels(Roma): Dovbyk and Hummels have both earned nominations for football’s top individual award for the 2023-24 season due to their exceptional performances. Dovbyk impressed with Girona, while Hummels made significant contributions at Borussia Dortmund.
Hummels was instrumental in Dortmund’s journey to the Champions League final, showcasing his dominance on the field. He played a crucial role in the semi-final against PSG, won two Player of the Match awards, and made 133 key passes throughout the tournament. His performance outshone other notable defenders like Ruben Dias and Marquinhos.
Erling Haaland(Man City): Erling Haaland has scored four hat-tricks in 2024, including two in his last two games, and netted five goals in an FA Cup match against Premier League rivals Luton Town. Among his impressive statistics, no Premier League team has managed to prevent him from scoring, with Ipswich also becoming part of that list.
His remarkable form underscores his goal-scoring prowess, as he continues to dominate in every match he plays.
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Nicolas Williams(Athletic Bilbao): Nico Williams has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player from our club to receive this prestigious recognition. His 2023/24 season was exceptional, including winning the Copa del Rey and making a significant impact in LaLiga. Williams also played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, delivering standout performances and scoring the opening goal in the final, earning the man-of-the-match award.
This nomination highlights Williams’ remarkable talent and achievements. To date, he has made 126 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals and providing numerous assists. This recognition underscores his impressive contributions and skill on the field.
Granit Xhaka(Bayer Leverkusen): Granit Xhaka has earned a spot on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist due to his exceptional performances with Bayer Leverkusen last season. His nomination reflects a remarkable turnaround in his career after a standout year with the club.
In 2019, Xhaka’s confrontation with Arsenal fans nearly led to his departure from the Emirates. However, his recent achievements with Bayer Leverkusen have highlighted his talent and resilience, marking a significant chapter of redemption in his career.
Artem Dovbik(Roma): Dovbyk and Hummels have both received nominations for football’s most prestigious award in 2023-24, recognizing their exceptional performances with Girona and Borussia Dortmund. Dovbyk’s impressive season saw him score 24 goals in 36 matches, making him the top scorer in La Liga.
His contributions were crucial in helping Girona qualify for the Champions League group stages for the first time in the club’s history. Hummels, on the other hand, played a vital role for Borussia Dortmund, enhancing his reputation with strong performances throughout the season.
Toni Kroos(Real Madrid): Toni Kroos has earned a Ballon d’Or nomination for the fifth time in his career. The German midfielder had an outstanding final season, guiding Real Madrid to both LaLiga and Champions League titles.
Kroos also contributed significantly to Germany’s campaign in the European Championship, helping them reach the quarter-finals. Germany was ultimately defeated by Spain, the tournament’s eventual champions, in Stuttgart.
Jude Bellingham(Real Madrid): Jude Bellingham is among the six English players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The 30-man shortlist is largely dominated by Spain’s European champions, Real Madrid’s double-winning squad, and the Premier League.
Bellingham, who finished 18th in last year’s ranking, has been recognized for his contributions to England’s run to the Euro 2024 final. His performance also played a key role in Real Madrid’s success in both the Champions League and LaLiga last season.
Phil Foden(Man City): Phil Foden has made it to the 30-player shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. The Manchester City midfielder enjoyed an outstanding season, collecting several individual honors, including Premier League Player of the Year, Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, PFA Players’ Player of the Year, and City’s Etihad Player of the Season.
Foden had an impressive year, scoring 27 goals in 53 appearances. His contributions were crucial in Manchester City’s success, helping the team win three major trophies: the European Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the Premier League.
Ruben Dias(Man City): Ruben Dias has been named to the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, recognizing his exceptional contributions. His defensive prowess was key in Manchester City’s successful campaign, helping secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Dias played a crucial role, with the team conceding just six goals in their last nine matches.
In his four years at City, Dias has been a constant force, achieving Premier League success each season. As he nears his 200th appearance for the club, his consistent performance and winning mentality have solidified his reputation as one of the top defenders in world football.
Federica Valverde(Real Madrid): Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde has been included in the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, highlighting his impressive performances. Valverde played a key role in Real Madrid’s successful season, where they won both LaLiga and the Champions League. He missed just one game across all competitions, demonstrating his reliability and consistency.
In addition to his club success, Valverde captained Uruguay in their first four matches of the Copa America, leading them to a third-place finish. His contributions on both the domestic and international stages have earned him this prestigious nomination.
Emiliano Martinez(Aston Villa): Former Reading goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or after his key role in helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League. Martinez, now 32, initially gained recognition during a loan spell with Reading in 2019, where he made 18 appearances and began to establish himself as Arsenal’s backup keeper.
Since joining Aston Villa in 2020, Martinez has made over 150 appearances and played a crucial role in their success. He also achieved significant accolades, including winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
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