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 letâs put on our imaginary tuxedos and dive into the race for footballâs most coveted individual prizeâwhere goals, assists, and even a playerâs hairstyle can sway the vote.10. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): đŞđ¸â˝ď¸
No, this isnât a typo. Youâre reading it right: Lamine Yamal, a teenager, has entered the conversation for the Ballon dâOr. 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 assistsâsolid 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 donât worryâheâll be back. This might just be a teaser.9. Phil Foden (Manchester City): đ´ó §ó ˘ó Ľó Žó §ó żâ˝ď¸
Fodenâs 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): đ´ó §ó ˘ó Ľó Žó §ó żâ˝ď¸
You can almost hear the English tabloids shouting, âKane finally has his trophy!â And no, it wasnât 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 Englandâs Euro 2024 journey ended in heartbreak and he looked a little, well, knackered. But who wouldnât after carrying Bayern and England on your back for months?7. Kylian MbappĂŠ (PSG): đŤđˇâ˝ď¸
MbappĂŠâs 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 wasnât a fairytale for France. MbappĂŠ played through a broken nose and Didier Deschampsâ âfunâ defensive tactics, ultimately crashing out in the semis. As much as heâd love to add a Ballon d'Or to his stacked trophy cabinet, it looks like heâll have to wait⌠again.6. Toni Kroos (Retired, Real Madrid): đŠđŞâ˝ď¸
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 isnât 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 settingâunerring, 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 âLifetime Achievement Awardâ here.5. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid): đŞđ¸â˝ď¸
You know those unsung heroes in superhero movies? Thatâs Carvajal, except he doesnât 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.
Donât be surprised if he ends up higher on this list when the votes are inâthis guy has been quietly building a legacy, and itâs time we all noticed.
4. Lautaro MartĂnez (Inter Milan): đŚđˇâ˝ď¸
"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):đ´ó §ó ˘ó Ľó Žó §ó żâ˝ď¸
Injuries and a few missed games mean heâs just shy of the top prize. At 21, his Ballon d'Or time will come. Itâs not a question of if, but when.
2.Rodri (Manchester City): đŞđ¸â˝ď¸
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. VinĂcius JĂşnior (Real Madrid): đ§đˇâ˝ď¸
Sure, Brazil didnât get the Copa America they wanted, but VinĂciusâ Ballon d'Or case is as strong as ever. Whether itâs his dazzling footwork or his clutch performances, VinĂcius has officially arrived as one of footballâs global superstars. The Ballon d'Or is calling his name.
đŻAnd there you have it! This year's Ballon d'Or race is packed with twists, turns, and plenty of debate. Let the arguments begin!đŻ
