Ballon d'Or 2024: Everything You Need to Know
The Ballon d'Or, the prestigious annual award recognizing the best male and female footballers in the world, is just around the corner. With the 2023-24 season in full swing, anticipation is building for the unveiling of the next Ballon d'Or winner.
This article will delve into all the essential details you need to know about the Ballon d'Or 2024, including the eligibility criteria, potential contenders, voting process, date and ceremony details, and past winners. Let's dive in!
Eligibility Criteria for Ballon d'Or 2024
To be eligible for the Ballon d'Or, a player must meet the following criteria:
- Professional footballer: The player must be a professional in the men's or women's game.
- Performance during the calendar year: The award considers the player's performance during the calendar year preceding the ceremony, from August to July.
- Playing in a recognized league: Players must be registered with a club participating in a recognized league.
Potential Contenders for Ballon d'Or 2024
While it's still early to predict with certainty, several players are already making strong cases for a Ballon d'Or win.
Men's Ballon d'Or:
- Karim Benzema: The reigning champion will undoubtedly be in the running again, hoping to defend his title.
- Kylian Mbappé: The French superstar continues to light up the field, consistently scoring goals and showcasing his incredible talent.
- Erling Haaland: The Norwegian striker's prolific goal-scoring form at Manchester City makes him a serious contender.
- Lionel Messi: Although his time at Paris Saint-Germain has been mixed, Messi remains a global icon and a potential winner.
- Kevin De Bruyne: The Belgian midfielder's exceptional vision and playmaking abilities make him a key contender.
Women's Ballon d'Or:
- Alexia Putellas: The reigning champion, Putellas is aiming for a back-to-back win.
- Sam Kerr: The Australian striker is known for her lethal finishing and dynamic play.
- Beth Mead: The English forward had a stellar Euro 2022 campaign, making her a top contender.
- Aitana Bonmati: The Spanish midfielder is an exceptional talent, known for her creativity and vision.
Voting Process for Ballon d'Or 2024
The Ballon d'Or voting process involves journalists from around the globe, who are invited to select their top 30 players for both the men's and women's awards.
The voting is based on the players' performance, individual achievements, and overall contribution to their team and football in general. The journalist's choices are then tallied, and the player with the highest number of points receives the prestigious award.
Date and Ceremony Details for Ballon d'Or 2024
The official date and location for the Ballon d'Or 2024 ceremony are yet to be announced. Typically, the award ceremony is held in late October or early November.
The ceremony is a grand event, broadcast globally and attended by the biggest names in football.
Past Winners of the Ballon d'Or
Since its inception in 1956, the Ballon d'Or has seen some of the greatest footballers in history lift the coveted trophy. Some notable past winners include:
- Lionel Messi: 7 times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021)
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
- Franz Beckenbauer: 2 times (1972, 1976)
- Johan Cruyff: 3 times (1971, 1973, 1974)
The Ballon d'Or is a prestigious award that recognizes the pinnacle of achievement in football. As the 2023-24 season progresses, the race for the Ballon d'Or will intensify, creating excitement and anticipation among fans worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates and news on the Ballon d'Or 2024.