Ballon d'Or 2024

Ballon d'Or 2024: Who Will Snag the Golden Ball with a Side of Surprises?

The Ballon d'Or 2024 nominees have been announced, and the surprises are just as juicy as the contenders!🏆⚽ #BallonDor

The anticipation is building as the Ballon d'Or 2024 shortlist has finally been revealed, showcasing a dazzling lineup of football's royal elite. Among the standout names are Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer, all of whom have enchanted fans with their stellar performances over the past season. While the more experienced players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been absent from the list for the first time since 2003, the spotlight has shifted tantalizingly onto the new generation of talent, with England’s very own Bellingham leading the charge.

As discussions swirl around who deserves this coveted Golden Ball, four writers from The Athletic gave their two cents on the nominees. Their banter ranges from which players have been snubbed to who truly embodies excellence in football this season. The nominations bring forth a mix of expected candidates and delightful surprises, whether it’s the young prodigies like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams making waves or more seasoned stars like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland capturing fans' hearts with their mind-blowing skills.

Interestingly, the Ballon d'Or voting criteria has also seen an evolution. This year, voters will evaluate candidates based solely on their performance during a single European season running from August to July. This change aims to ensure that the best performer of the season in terms of consistent excellence takes home the prestigious award. The football community is on its toes, eagerly debating how this revised voting process may affect the final outcome.

In a remarkable twist, Nigeria's Ademola Lookman has made the 30-man shortlist for the award while representing Atalanta. This marks a significant milestone for African footballers as they continue to garner recognition on the world stage. Fans around the globe are not only excited about the nominees but are also left wondering: Could this be the dawn of a new era in football with fresh talent claiming the spotlight?

To add a sprinkle of trivia, did you know that since its inception in 1956, the award has traditionally favored superstars from leagues like La Liga and the English Premier League? And, for the first time in history, the absence of both Messi and Ronaldo on the finalist list is a clear indication that the football landscape is evolving, making way for vibrant new legends to rise!