The 2024 Ballon d’Or has ignited passionate debates among football fans, with Rodri of Manchester City emerging as the winner. The Spanish midfielder narrowly defeated Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr, who placed second, while Barcelona’s Raphinha secured an unexpected third.
The event, however, was marred by Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the ceremony in protest over what they viewed as the unjust exclusion of their Brazilian star.
Rodri’s victory followed an outstanding season with Manchester City, where his crucial midfield performances helped the team dominate both domestically and in Europe. Unfortunately, due to a knee injury sustained in September, Rodri will miss the remainder of the season and will not be able to defend his title next year. This sets up a fresh contest for football’s most prestigious individual award.
The 2024-25 season differs from recent years as it lacks a major international tournament, meaning the Ballon d’Or will depend entirely on club performances. The newly revamped Club World Cup could add an exciting element to the race, providing an additional platform for players to shine, particularly those who may not have a prominent role in international competitions.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
The full ranking brought some surprises, with both young talents and seasoned stars in the mix. Notable highlights include:
- 15th: Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP), recognized for his consistency in Portugal.
- 14th: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), continuing to impress in the Premier League.
- 13th: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), still a key figure for his club.
- 12th: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), who started strong but fell short in the final tally.
- 11th: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), despite his goal-scoring feats, missed out on the top 10.
The top 10 included both established legends and rising stars. Florian Wirtz (10th) and Cole Palmer (9th) represent a new wave of talent making their mark in Europe, while Harry Kane (8th) and Kylian Mbappé (7th) remain prominent global icons. Barcelona dominated the list with Lamine Yamal (6th), Robert Lewandowski (5th), and Raphinha (3rd), showcasing the club’s resurgence under current management.
A Tight Race for the Top
Vinícius Jr’s second-place finish highlights his exceptional performances for Real Madrid, where his pace, creativity, and finishing were central to the team’s success. However, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool claimed the top spot, surpassing all challengers. His consistency, combined with moments of brilliance, led Liverpool’s resurgence and cemented his place at the summit.
Salah’s victory underscores his continued impact in both the Premier League and Europe, affirming his status as one of the best players of his generation. It also signals a new chapter for Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp’s successor, with the team back in the hunt for silverware.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With Rodri sidelined, the 2025 Ballon d’Or race promises to be unpredictable. Players like Vinícius Jr, Mbappé, and Salah will remain strong contenders, while emerging stars such as Lamine Yamal and Florian Wirtz could break through. The expanded Club World Cup offers another opportunity for players to shine, potentially influencing the final rankings.
The rankings reveal a blend of youth and experience shaping the current football landscape. Veterans like Lewandowski and Griezmann continue to impress, while young talents like Yamal signal a promising future for the sport.
Barcelona’s Resurgence
Barcelona’s strong representation in the rankings reflects the club’s recent revival. With players like Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski combining youth and experience, Barcelona is positioning itself for a return to dominance in both La Liga and Europe.
Real Madrid’s Protest
Real Madrid’s boycott of the Ballon d’Or ceremony highlights their dissatisfaction with the process, particularly regarding the exclusion of some of their key players and Vinícius Jr’s second-place finish. The protest has sparked criticism of the award’s fairness and transparency.
Conclusion
As the 2024 Ballon d’Or dust settles, attention turns to the 2025 race. With no clear frontrunner and a host of potential candidates, next year’s competition promises to be fiercely contested. Whether through club form, individual moments of brilliance, or standout performances in the revamped Club World Cup, the next Ballon d’Or winner will face a highly competitive field.
For now, Mohamed Salah stands at the top of the football world, embodying excellence and serving as an inspiration to players and fans alike. The journey to the 2025 Ballon d’Or begins, and it promises to be a spectacle to remember.
