By the time October rolls around each year, it's like football fans collectively forget how to breathe. Why? Because it's Ballon d'Or season, a time when everyone from die-hard supporters to armchair pundits decides they suddenly have a PhD in elite football analysis.
Well, it's a toss-up between a few seasoned superstars and some fresh faces that have made a loud case for themselves. So let’s put on our imaginary tuxedos and dive into the race for football’s most coveted individual prize—where goals, assists, and even a player’s hairstyle can sway the vote.10. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): 🇪🇸⚽️
No, this isn’t a typo. You’re reading it right: Lamine Yamal, a teenager, has entered the conversation for the Ballon d’Or. Barcelona fans have already started treating him like the second coming of Lionel Messi, and honestly, it's hard to blame them.
His numbers? 10 goals, and 18 assists—solid for a player who can't even legally buy a beer in most countries. So, is Yamal ready for the Golden Ball? Probably not yet, but don’t worry—he’ll be back. This might just be a teaser.9. Phil Foden (Manchester City): 🏴⚽️
Foden’s hat-tricks and flair turned heads all year, but a Champions League quarter-final exit and a lukewarm Euro 2024 performance with England may just have booted him out of serious Ballon d'Or contention.
8. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): 🏴⚽️
You can almost hear the English tabloids shouting, “Kane finally has his trophy!” And no, it wasn’t just any trophy. The man put 52 goals into the back of the net for Bayern Munich and picked up his first-ever European Golden Shoe.
Despite another amazing goal haul, Bayern fell short to Real Madrid in the Champions League, and England’s Euro 2024 journey ended in heartbreak and he looked a little, well, knackered. But who wouldn’t after carrying Bayern and England on your back for months?7. Kylian Mbappé (PSG): 🇫🇷⚽️
Mbappé’s 2023-24 season was like that blockbuster movie everyone talks about, the French phenom racked up 52 goals and 21 assists, winning Ligue 1 before hopping over to Real Madrid.
As for Euro 2024? It wasn’t a fairytale for France. Mbappé played through a broken nose and Didier Deschamps’ “fun” defensive tactics, ultimately crashing out in the semis. As much as he’d love to add a Ballon d'Or to his stacked trophy cabinet, it looks like he’ll have to wait… again.6. Toni Kroos (Retired, Real Madrid): 🇩🇪⚽️
Toni Kross in action for real madrid
The man, the myth. At 34 years old, Kroos had no business being as influential as he was last season. With one goal and 12 assists, Kroos helped guide Madrid to yet another Champions League title before dropping the mic and announcing his retirement.
Kroos isn’t the flashy name people think of for a Ballon d'Or winner, but his presence was undeniable. His football IQ is basically running on a Tesla autopilot setting—unerring, calculating, and incredibly smooth. His retirement announcement may add a layer of nostalgia to his Ballon d'Or case, but even with that, it's unlikely voters will go for a “Lifetime Achievement Award” here.5. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid): 🇪🇸⚽️
You know those unsung heroes in superhero movies? That’s Carvajal, except he doesn’t just save the day in one match, he does it every week. With seven goals, eight assists, and 21 clean sheets, Carvajal was indispensable for both Real Madrid and Spain.
Don’t be surprised if he ends up higher on this list when the votes are in—this guy has been quietly building a legacy, and it’s time we all noticed.
4. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan): 🇦🇷⚽️
"I'm on the same level as Mbappe, Haaland, Kane, and Lewandowski," said Lautaro towards the end of the 2023-24 season, probably while sipping a mate and thinking about how he bagged 35 goals last season. And you know what? He might just be right.
He crushed Serie A with 35 goals and led Inter to their Scudetto, while also claiming a Copa America Golden Boot. His extra-time winner in the Copa America final made sure Argentina won the trophy.
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid):🏴⚽️
Injuries and a few missed games mean he’s just shy of the top prize. At 21, his Ballon d'Or time will come. It’s not a question of if, but when.
2.Rodri (Manchester City): 🇪🇸⚽️
In the often-overlooked role of a defensive midfielder, Rodri has truly shined this year. His outstanding performances have put him just below one other player in the running for this year's awards.
1. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): 🇧🇷⚽️
Sure, Brazil didn’t get the Copa America they wanted, but Vinícius’ Ballon d'Or case is as strong as ever. Whether it’s his dazzling footwork or his clutch performances, Vinícius has officially arrived as one of football’s global superstars. The Ballon d'Or is calling his name.
📯And there you have it! This year's Ballon d'Or race is packed with twists, turns, and plenty of debate. Let the arguments begin!📯
