The shortlist for world football's most prestigious individual award has been revealed ahead of the ceremony in Paris on October 28
The Ballon d'Or. Love it or loathe it, it's the award every footballer in the world dreams of one day winning. And now, after a memorable 2023-24 campaign, the shortlist of nominees for the 2024 Golden Ball has been announced.
There are a host of top names vying to claim the prize that Lionel Messi took home for the eighth time in 2023, with performances not only at club level, but also at the various major tournaments that took place over the past 12 months having been taken into account when selecting this year's list of potential winners.
Who will take home the prize? Will Vinicius Jr be rewarded for his crucial goals in leading Real Madrid to a treble of trophies? Or will his team-mate Jude Bellingham earn recognition for his remarkable debut campaign at the Bernabeu? Manchester City star Rodri, too, is in contention after winning the Premier League at club level before going on to star at Euro 2024 for winners Spain.
We will have to wait until the ceremony in Paris on Monday, October 28 to find out, but for now, here are the players who have been shortlisted for football's ultimate individual honour:
Getty Images SportJude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
The English midfielder enjoyed a stunning start to life at Real Madrid following his move from Borussia Dortmund last summer. It was a dream debut season as the Spanish giants went on to claim the Champions League and La Liga titles, with Bellingham scoring 23 goals and registering 11 assists across both competitions. He then went on to play a key role as England reached the Euro 2024 final, where they lost to Spain.
AdvertisementGettyRuben Dias (Manchester City)
The 27-year-old centre-back was a mainstay in Pep Guardiola's back line as Manchester City went on to retain their Premier League title, win the Club World Cup and reach the FA Cup final. The Portugal international made 45 appearances in all competitions before going on to help his national team reach the quarter-finals at Euro 2024.
Getty Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Foden had yet another spectacular season. He rattled in 19 Premier League goals and five in the Champions League to help City claim even more silverware, and earn himself a host of individual prizes. The 24-year-old England international also started all seven of the Three Lions' Euro 2024 games.
Getty Images SportFederico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Uruguayan midfielder Valverde was a vital servant as Real Madrid further solidified their place as the kings of Europe. He missed only one game in all competitions as Carlo Ancelotti's team won the double, while he captained Uruguay in their first four Copa America matches as they finished third in the competition.