Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 8, 2024 12:51 pm GMT
England’s football representation shines with six players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, including captain Harry Kane and rising stars Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Cole Palmer. The nominations were announced on Wednesday, with the winners set to be revealed at a ceremony in Paris on October 28. Notably absent from this year’s men’s shortlist are football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, marking the first time since 2003 that both superstars have not been nominated. This year guarantees a new recipient, as the absence of past winners opens the stage for fresh talent.
England’s Contingent Shines
Among the nominees from England, Jude Bellingham stands out after an impressive debut season with Real Madrid, which was further enhanced by his contribution to the England team’s run to the Euro 2024 final. His fellow nominees include:
- Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
- Declan Rice – Arsenal
- Cole Palmer – Chelsea
- Phil Foden – Manchester City
- Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
These players not only represented their clubs well but also significantly contributed to England’s impressive performance in the UEFA European Championship, where they reached the final before losing to Spain.
Historic Nomination for Lamine Yamal
Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal of Barcelona has made history by becoming the youngest-ever nominee for the Ballon d’Or, surpassing the previous record-holder, Kylian Mbappe, by just a year. Yamal played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at the Euro 2024, showcasing his talent on an international stage that drew attention to his capabilities as a top contender for the award.
Wider European Representation
This year’s shortlist reflects a significant presence of Spanish players, particularly following their successful Euro 2024 campaign. Alongside Yamal, prominent nominees include:
- Rodri – Manchester City
- Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid
- Dani Olmo – Barcelona
- Granite Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen
Other key figures in the running include established stars like Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid, who are expected to be strong contenders based on their performances this season.
Notable Absences: Messi and Ronaldo
For the first time since 2003, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will not be vying for the coveted Ballon d’Or award. Messi, the eight-time winner, lifted the award last year but has been left off the nominations in 2024. Similarly, Ronaldo, who has dominated world football for years, finds himself outside the shortlist this year. Their absence signifies a drastic change in the football landscape and opens the door for a new generation of performers.
Other Notable Nominations
In addition to the Ballon d’Or, several players are nominated for other prestigious awards, including:
- Kopa Trophy (Best Men’s Young Player):
- Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United
- Alejandro Garnacho – Manchester United
- Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
- Savinho – Girona/Manchester City
- Yacine Trophy (Best Goalkeeper):
- Emiliano Martínez – Aston Villa
- David Raya – Brentford
- Giorgi Mamardashvili – Valencia
The nominations for the Kopa Trophy spotlight the emerging young talents in football, reflecting a promising future for the sport.
Coaching Nominations
Recognition is also bestowed upon coaches, with Pep Guardiola leading the candidates after Manchester City’s unparalleled success under his management, which included a Premier League title and Club World Cup triumph. Other nominees are:
- Carlo Ancelotti – Real Madrid
- Xabi Alonso – Bayer Leverkusen
- Luis De La Fuente – Spain National Team
Looking Ahead
The anticipation builds as the football world gears up for the ceremony in Paris at the end of October. With prominent players overlooked and new stars emerging, this year’s celebration promises to shine a spotlight on the evolving narrative of the sport.
Football fans are eagerly waiting for the results. They are talking a lot about how players like Bellingham and Yamal are making a difference. It’s exciting to see how new stars are taking the place of the old legends and changing the way the game is played.
