Current News on the Ballon d'Or 2024
As the anticipation builds for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the football world is buzzing with excitement over the nominees and the upcoming ceremony. The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually by France Football, recognizes the best male and female footballers globally. This year, the ceremony is set to take place on October 28, 2024, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.
Nominees Announced
On September 4, 2024, the 30-man shortlist for the men's Ballon d'Or was unveiled, featuring a mix of established stars and rising talents. Notably, Lionel Messi, the previous winner, will not be defending his title, as he has not been nominated this year. This marks a significant shift in the landscape of football, as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award for over a decade.
Key Nominees
Among the nominees, Manchester City players are prominently featured, reflecting the club's dominance in the 2023/24 season. The list includes:
- Rodri
- Phil Foden
- Rúben Dias
- Erling Haaland
Additionally, Harry Kane, who captained England to the Euro 2024 final, is also on the list, alongside teammates Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden. Other notable nominees include Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., both of whom have had stellar seasons.
Women's Ballon d'Or Nominees
The 2024 Women's Ballon d'Or shortlist has also been announced, featuring five players from the United States Women's National Team (USWNT), including:
- Trinity Rodman
- Sophia Smith
- Mallory Swanson
- Lindsey Horan
- Alyssa Naeher
These players have been recognized for their outstanding performances, particularly following the USWNT's success in recent tournaments.
Ceremony Details
The Ballon d'Or gala is scheduled to commence at 8 PM local time (2 PM ET) on October 28. This year's event is expected to be one of the most exciting in recent history, with a diverse range of nominees and the absence of the usual frontrunners, Messi and Ronaldo.
Media Coverage and Reactions
The announcement of the nominees has sparked discussions across various media platforms. NBC Sports and Yahoo Sports have highlighted the cases for several players, including Rodri and Vinicius Jr., while also discussing who might be considered unlucky to miss out on a nomination.
Debates on Potential Winners
As the football community debates who should win the prestigious award, many are looking at the performances in major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations, Euro 2024, and Copa America. The impact of these tournaments on the nominees' chances is a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d'Or promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the best talents in football. With the nominees now revealed, fans are eagerly awaiting the ceremony in Paris, where the next football superstar will be crowned. As the date approaches, discussions around the nominees and their performances will only intensify, making this year's award one to watch closely.
For more detailed information, you can check out the following articles:
- Everything we know about the Ballon d'Or 2024 - FourFourTwo
- FULL LIST | Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees - Yahoo Sports
- Six England players nominated for men's Ballon d'Or - BBC
- Ten Premier League players nominated for Ballon d'Or - Premier League
- Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, Sophia Smith Top 2024 Ballon d'or - Bleacher Report
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the Ballon d'Or 2024 ceremony!