Meet the frontrunner for the coveted Ballon d’Or!
Copa America 2024 and Euro 2024 are poised to significantly influence the race for the Ballon d'Or. These continental tournaments will feature clashes between some of the best players and teams. The world’s top talent often hails from Europe and the Americas, making these competitions a thrilling spectacle for fans and neutrals alike. Iconic players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be participating, along with many other talented athletes representing their nations. Let's take a look at five players competing in the Copa America 2024 and Euro 2024 who have a strong chance of claiming the Ballon d'Or.
Kylian Mbappe had an outstanding final season with Paris Saint-Germain, netting 44 goals and providing 10 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. Although he missed out on winning the UEFA Champions League, Euro 2024 offers him a chance to secure continental silverware. A potential triumph with France could make the PSG legend a leading contender for the Ballon d'Or. Mbappe's impressive performance this season, combined with a successful international campaign, would secure his status as one of the world's best players and enhance his chances of winning the prestigious award. A Euro 2024 victory could cement his legacy further.
Lionel Messi's impact at Inter Miami is undeniable, tallying 14 goals and 11 assists in just 18 games, reflecting his enduring brilliance. While MLS success typically isn't pivotal for the Ballon d'Or, Messi's quest for a ninth award could hinge on Argentina's Copa America 2024 campaign. Having already claimed the prestigious accolade eight times, leading Argentina to glory in the Copa America might provide the decisive narrative shift. It's not just about statistics; it's about seizing moments that elevate legacies. For Messi, this tournament could be the emotional crescendo that cements his status as one of football's all-time greats.
Messi winning a Ballon d’Or!
Jude Bellingham had an outstanding debut season with Real Madrid, driving the club to La Liga and Champions League triumphs. The English star contributed 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances, positioning himself as a leading contender for the Ballon d'Or. Now, he shoulders the hopes of his nation at Euro 2024, aiming to end England’s nearly six-decade-long wait for major silverware. A triumph in the tournament could significantly bolster his chances of claiming the Ballon d'Or, adding a poignant chapter to his remarkable story and further establishing his legacy in football history.
Vinicius Junior, the dynamic Brazilian forward for Real Madrid, emerged as a global standout last season. At just 23 years old, he proved indispensable for Los Blancos, notching 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 matches en route to La Liga and Champions League triumphs. His stellar performances position him as a strong contender for the upcoming Ballon d'Or. Additionally, success at Copa America 2024 would further bolster his credentials, adding another prestigious title to his burgeoning collection. Vinicius Junior's rise continues to captivate, marking him as a pivotal figure in both the club and international football scenes.
Harry Kane, after a stellar debut season with Bayern Munich, stands poised to reap the rewards of a successful continental campaign this summer. The English striker demonstrated his skills with an impressive tally of 44 goals and 21 assists in 45 games, despite Bayern ending trophyless. Euro 2024 represents a pivotal opportunity for Kane, aiming not only for England’s first major trophy in 58 years but also to elevate his candidature for the prestigious Ballon d'Or. A strong showing in the tournament would not only secure Kane's maiden trophy but also potentially cement his place among football's elite with the coveted individual accolade.
While all of this is a matter of speculation, the actual winner of the Ballon d’Or still hangs in the balance!
