The 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony: A Night of New Beginnings in Paris
On October 28, 2024, the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony took place in the heart of Paris, celebrating the finest talents in soccer from the past season. This year’s event was particularly significant as it marked a turning point in the world of football, with the absence of two of the sport’s greatest icons, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, from the nominees list for the first time in two decades. This shift signals the dawn of a new era, where fresh faces are stepping into the limelight.
Favorites and Anticipation
As the ceremony approached, all eyes were on Vinicius Junior and Aitana Bonmati, who were the frontrunners for the coveted awards. Vinicius, known for his dazzling skills and pivotal role at Real Madrid, was expected to shine in the men’s category, while Bonmati, a key player for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, was anticipated to take home the women’s award. Other notable mentions included Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and the young prodigy Lamine Yamal from Barcelona, both of whom were tipped for success in their respective categories.
A New Era in Soccer
The absence of Messi and Ronaldo from the nominations not only highlights the changing dynamics of the sport but also opens the door for a new generation of players to claim the top honors. The last two decades have been dominated by these two legends, with their rivalry shaping the narrative of modern football. With Messi having won the men’s trophy in 2023 and Ronaldo’s legacy firmly established, the 2024 ceremony represents a fresh chapter, potentially crowning a first-time winner of the prestigious award.
The Ceremony Unfolds
As the evening progressed, anticipation grew for the announcement of the winners. The Sporting News provided live updates, ensuring fans were kept in the loop regarding the outcomes of the awards. The ceremony was set to reveal the winners by approximately 10:15 p.m. local time (CET), with the excitement palpable in the air as attendees awaited the results.
Final Rankings: Men’s Ballon d’Or
The final rankings for the men’s Ballon d’Or were a mix of established stars and emerging talents. While the top spots were highly contested, the list included notable players like Phil Foden from Manchester City and Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The rankings showcased the depth of talent in European football, reflecting a season filled with remarkable performances.
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- Phil Foden (Manchester City)
- Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
- Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
- Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
- Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
- Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
- Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)
- Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
- William Saliba (Arsenal)
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Mats Hummels (Roma)
- Artem Dovbyk (Roma)
Final Rankings: Women’s Ballon d’Or
The women’s Ballon d’Or rankings also reflected a season of exceptional talent, with players like Patri Guijarro from Barcelona and Barbra Banda from Orlando Pride making their mark. The competition was fierce, showcasing the growing prominence of women’s football on the global stage.
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- Patri Guijarro (Barcelona)
- Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
- Lauren James (Chelsea)
- Ada Hegerberg (Lyon)
- Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw (Manchester City)
- Tabitha Chawinga (Lyon)
- Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
- Gabi Portilho (Corinthians)
- Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich)
- Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
- Maya Ramirez (Chelsea)
- Glodis Viggosdottir (Bayern Munich)
- Tarciane (Houston Dash)
- Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich)
- Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea)
- Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)
- Manuela Giugliano (Roma)
- Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
- Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)
- Grace Geyoro (Paris Saint-Germain)
Special Awards: Gerd Muller Trophy and Yashin Trophy
The ceremony also featured the Gerd Muller Trophy, awarded to the best goal-scorer in Europe, and the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper. Last year, Erling Haaland took home the Gerd Muller Trophy, and this year, the competition was between Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. Meanwhile, the Yashin Trophy was set to be awarded to the standout goalkeeper of the season, with Emiliano Martinez, the previous year’s winner, being a strong contender.
Kopa Trophy and Socrates Award
The Kopa Trophy, recognizing the best young player, was highly anticipated, with Lamine Yamal among the favorites. Additionally, the Socrates Award, honoring humanitarian efforts in football, was presented to Vinicius Junior for his impactful work through the Vini Jr Institute, which focuses on education for disadvantaged children in Brazil.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Ballon d’Or has a rich history, with the first award given in 1956 to Stanley Matthews. Over the decades, the award has evolved, reflecting the changing landscape of football. From Johan Cruyff’s three wins in the 1970s to the Messi-Ronaldo era, the Ballon d’Or continues to celebrate excellence in the sport. The women’s Ballon d’Or, introduced in 2018, has also gained prominence, showcasing the incredible talent in women’s football.
As the 2024 ceremony unfolded, it became clear that the future of soccer is bright, with new stars ready to take center stage and continue the legacy of this prestigious award.