Early Contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Revealed

While the next Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for next autumn, the 2023/24 season is already underway, and several players are already making their mark as early contenders for the prestigious award.

1. Jude Bellingham: The 20-year-old English midfielder has been in prolific form, defying his traditional role by consistently finding the back of the net for Real Madrid. To become the first midfielder since Luka Modric in 2018 to win the Ballon d’Or, Bellingham needs to maintain his scoring prowess and ideally secure victory at Euro 2024.
2. Erling Haaland: Despite a somewhat slow start to the season, the Norwegian striker has notched 11 goals in just 10 Premier League appearances. A record-breaking campaign may be in the cards for Haaland, contingent on Manchester City replicating their previous season’s success.
3. Kylian Mbappe: The French forward has displayed his goal-scoring prowess with 12 goals in 12 games for PSG, including a standout performance in the Champions League against Milan. If Mbappe continues to perform at his best and shines with France at the Euros, he could inch closer to the long-awaited Ballon d’Or.
4. Harry Kane: The superstar forward has already contributed 14 goals and 7 assists in just 13 appearances for Bayern Munich, showcasing remarkable adaptability. Representing both Bayern and the English national team during the Euro season elevates Kane’s candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.
5. Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s impressive form owes a great deal to the exceptional performances of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, who has contributed 14 goals in 13 games this season. However, Salah’s challenge for the Ballon d’Or may be hindered by Liverpool’s participation in the Europa League and his inability to take part in the Euros.

The list of early Ballon d’Or contenders also includes notable names like Antoine Griezmann, Bukayo Saka, Lautaro Martinez, Rodri, and Leroy Sane, each with the potential to make a significant impact on the race for football’s most prestigious individual award.

Source: Tribuna