2024 Ballon d’Or Nominees Announced, Spotlighting New Stars and Africa’s First Goalkeeper Nominations
The coveted list of nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in football, has been announced. For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic superstars from Argentina and Portugal respectively, feature on the list. Instead, a fresh batch of talented players takes center stage, with several standout names vying for the top prize.
Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid, who won the Champions League last season, are leading the charge, with Spanish Olympian champions also being honored. Among the 30 nominees, notable players like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Erling Haaland have made the cut. Meanwhile, rising star Lamine Yamal from Spain, who boasts exceptional skills despite being only 19, has been recognized for his impressive displays on the pitch.
Furthermore, the Yashin Trophy for Goalkeeper of the Year has thrown its spotlight on Ronwen Williams from South Africa, becoming the first-ever footballer from Africa to be nominated for this esteemed award. George Weah, the Liberian legend, remains the sole African winner of the Ballon d’Or to date, taking home the coveted prize in 1995.
On the female side, last year’s women’s award winner, Aitana Bonmati, has been re-nominated alongside US stars Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Alyssa Naeher, and Lindsey Horan. These talented individuals, along with others on the 30-long list, are competing for their shot at the top accolades.
For the first time, the 2024 Ballon d’Or will also introduce awards for both Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year, highlighting the impressive achievements of football’s esteemed trainers. This prestigious accolade, created by France Football magazine, has a rich history, dating back to 1956 when a jury of men’s and women’s soccer journalists votes for the winners. This year’s ceremony is set to take place in Paris on October 28.
