New Delhi: Football’s highest individual accolade, the Ballon d’Or has largely been a two-horse race between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Their dominance transformed what was once an unpredictable and celebrated award into a saga that felt at times as repetitive as it was mesmerizing. From Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or win in 2008 to Messi’s many triumphs that followed, the golden statuette has embodied an intense rivalry with the two icons together clinching 13 out of 15 titles between 2008 and 2023.
Though fueled by sheer talent this duopoly was also amplified by the marketing giants behind each player and a voting system that sometimes felt more political than analytical. But with both legends now in the twilight of their careers, the stage is set for a new generation to challenge for the Ballon d’Or and redefine what the award symbolizes. The top three contenders for the title race are-
Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
Vinícius Jr is him! 🇧🇷💫
Will he be the first Brazilian since Kaká in 2007 to lift the Ballon d’Or on Monday? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8TzlXZnzIe
— 90min (@90min_Football) October 23, 2024
Vinicius Junior is the favorite to clinch the award. The last time a Brazilian won the award was back in 2007 when Kaka took home the trophy while playing for AC Milan. Now after 17 years, Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid emerges as Brazil’s greatest hope to bring the trophy back to the country. Vini’s remarkable 2023-24 season with Real Madrid has propelled him to the forefront of Ballon d’Or contention.
At just 24 his influence on the field has been immense, netting 24 goals and providing 11 assists over 39 matches. His decisive role in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs exemplifies his growth from a young talent into a superstar. In the Champions League final he scored the crucial goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund and played a crucial role in securing their record 15th European title and proving indispensable in high-stakes matches.
Vini’s tactical appearance has been one of the standout features, setting him apart from the rest of the contenders. This season the 24-year-old averaged 4.5 successful dribbles per match in La Liga demonstrating his ability to take on defenders and create space. His passing accuracy in the final third has been impressive and having 10 assists in 20 matches shows his effectiveness in connecting play and setting up crucial goals for his team.
Vinicius has received overwhelming support from managers, pundits, and fellow players like Neymar, speaking volumes about his position in the football world. Being acknowledged by high-profile players and experts not only solidifies his position as a top contender but also adds an extra layer of validation. With so many voices across the football community backing him it’s a strong indicator that Vini is a player of remarkable influence and respect.
Rodri (Manchester City)
Since the start of 2023, Rodri has won more trophies (8) than he has lost games (4).
Serial winner. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/56hwtkbVcx
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 14, 2024
Rodri is the unsung hero of 2024. In a realm often dominated by flashy attackers Rodri has emerged as a steadfast force and showcased why a defensive midfielder can indeed be worthy of the Ballon d’Or. The last notable defensive figure to earn a spot on the list was back in 2019 when Virgil van Dijk narrowly missed out on claiming it.
Rodri has faced a lot of struggles and even got sidelined by a season-ending injury but his impact on Manchester City’s triumphant campaign and Spain’s Euro 2024 victory is undeniable. Not only did he play a pivotal role in securing City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title but he also stood as a beacon of excellence for Spain. He won the Player of the Tournament award in the Euros which is a rare accolade for a defensive player.
Rodri’s statistics are extraordinary with 12 goals and 15 assists contributions that echo beyond numbers as he orchestrates play from deep, dictating tempo, and breaking up attacks. His absence on the field revealed the depth of his influence, as even Pep Guardiola’s tactical brilliance found it hard to replace him underlining Rodri’s unique role as the linchpin of City’s midfield.
While Vinicius Junior’s flair and explosive performances may steal the spotlight Rodri’s value lies in his quiet, unassuming dominance which is a rare quality among past Ballon d’Or winners. His achievements challenge the traditional bias favoring attackers, proving that defensive midfielders can and should be celebrated on the grandest stage. Rodri’s excellence this season has redefined the impact of a defensive midfielder making a strong case for him as a top contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Dani Carvajal has now won 2️⃣7️⃣ major trophies in his professional career! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/E6OkLM2IOx
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 14, 2024
Dani Carvajal is one of the unsung heroes of Real Madrid’s season. He stepped up at big moments throughout the campaign and scored crucial goals while also locking down the right side of the defense. The 32-year-old was included in the La Liga Team of the Season after playing a crucial role in Real Madrid’s title-winning campaign and then went on to score in their Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Carvajal’s goal in the final was one of six he scored across all competitions and surpassed his tally from the previous nine seasons combined. He capped off an exceptional year with Real Madrid by winning Euro 2024 with Spain where he also found the net in a group-stage victory over Croatia.
Carvajal scored seven goals, eight assists, and 21 clean sheets. His trophy haul will definitely skyrocket him up the Ballon d’Or rankings. Last week even Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed his ambition to be the first full-back to claim the Ballon d’Or. Tonight, however, Dani Carvajal aims to secure that honor for himself and become the first defender to win the trophy after Fabio Cannavaro who won the Ballon d’Or in 2006.
