The Current Odds-on Ballon d'Or Favourites: A New Era Dawns?

The Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual award in football, is set to crown a new king (or queen) in 2024. With Lionel Messi, the eight-time winner, considered an outsider for the first time in over a decade, the race is wide open.

We delve into the current favourites based on betting odds and their on-field performances.

Jude Bellingham (1)

At the forefront sits the young prodigy, Jude Bellingham (1). Having secured the Kopa Trophy for the best young player in 2023, Bellingham's dazzling displays for Real Madrid have propelled him to the top spot.

His creative spark and box-to-box dominance have been instrumental in Real Madrid's strong start to the season. However, a recent shoulder injury raises a question mark about his consistency.

Kylian Mbappé (2)

Following closely behind is Kylian Mbappé (2). The French phenomenon continues to be a force of nature at Paris Saint-Germain.
His electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and growing influence on the team make him a perennial contender. If Mbappé can lead PSG to Champions League glory, his chances will soar.

Harry Kane (3)

Harry Kane (3) remains a consistent goal-scoring machine for Tottenham Hotspur. His leadership and improved link-up play have propelled him to new heights. Should he lead Tottenham to a Premier League title or carry England to a strong showing at Euro 2024, Kane could be a dark horse in the race.

Erling Haaland (4)

Erling Haaland (4) is a goal-scoring machine unlike any other. Despite a slight dip in form compared to his explosive debut season at Manchester City, his raw power and prolificacy remain undeniable. If City can dominate both domestically and in Europe, with Haaland leading the charge, he could be a serious contender.

Rodri (5)

Rodri (5) might be a surprise name on the list, but the Manchester City lynchpin plays a crucial role in their success. His positional awareness, passing range, and defensive solidity are often overshadowed by the attacking brilliance of his teammates, but his importance cannot be understated. However, a lack of individual flair might work against him.

Lionel Messi (6)

Lionel Messi (6), the perennial favourite, finds himself in an unfamiliar position. While his influence at PSG is undeniable, his recent dip in form and a suspension earlier in the season have cast doubt on his chances. However, never underestimate Messi's ability to rise to the occasion. A strong finish to the season with PSG and Argentina could see him back in contention.

Phil Foden (7)

Phil Foden (7) is another exciting young talent vying for the award. His technical brilliance, creativity, and knack for scoring crucial goals make him a valuable asset for Manchester City. If Foden can maintain his consistency and lead City to trophies, he could be a major player in the race.

Kevin De Bruyne (8)

Kevin De Bruyne (8) continues to be the creative maestro for Manchester City. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game are unmatched. However, De Bruyne has yet to win a major international trophy, which could be a factor in the voting.

Vinicius Jr. (9)

Vinicius Jr. (9) has emerged as a star player for Real Madrid. His explosive dribbling, pace, and improved finishing make him a threat on the wing. If he can continue his development and lead Real Madrid to success, particularly in the Copa America, he could be a surprise contender.

Mohamed Salah (10)

Rounding out the list is Mohamed Salah (10). The Liverpool talisman remains a world-class goalscorer, but his individual brilliance hasn't translated as well into team success this season. If Liverpool can win the Premier League or Champions League, and Salah rekindles his peak form, he could make a late surge in the race.

This year's Ballon d'Or race promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With Messi on the fringes, a new generation of talent is vying for the throne. Bellingham's precocious talent, Mbappé's relentless pursuit of glory, and the consistency of Kane and Haaland make for a compelling contest.

The outcome will depend not just on individual brilliance but also on team success and performances in major tournaments like Euro 2024.
Here are some additional factors that could influence the voting:

Impact on big games: Players who perform exceptionally well in high-pressure matches, like Champions League finals or international tournaments, tend to stand out in the voters' minds.

Sportsmanship and fair play: While not the primary criteria, a player's conduct on and off the field can also be a factor.

Fan votes: Though not as significant as journalists' votes, fan engagement and popularity can play a minor role in the final outcome.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or promises to be a fascinating battleground. With a new guard rising and established stars still hungry for glory, we can expect a thrilling race that will keep football fans captivated until the