Here are the chances for the 2024 Ballon d’Or!
04-04-2024
As the footballing season unfolds, the race for the coveted Ballon d`Or award intensifies, with several standout players making compelling cases for the prestigious honor. Let`s delve into the top contenders, highlighting their exceptional contributions for club and country, while also incorporating the latest odds from
online bookmakers to provide insight into the current front-runners for football`s most prestigious individual accolade. Let`s see who are the biggest favourites!
Kylian Mbappé (PSG-Real Madrid, France):
The French sensation has once again electrified the footballing world with his dazzling displays for both Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team. Mbappé`s lethal combination of blistering pace, sublime skill, and clinical finishing has propelled PSG to the summit of domestic and continental competitions.
In Ligue 1, Mbappé has been in scintillating form, leading the scoring charts with an impressive tally of 24 goals and 5 assists, driving PSG`s relentless pursuit of yet another league title. Furthermore, his heroics in the UEFA Champions League cannot be overlooked, as he spearheaded PSG`s charge through the knockout stages with crucial goals and mesmerizing performances.
PSG are also doing well in the Champions League this year, as they are in the last eight, where they will face Barcelona, who have not been to such heights for 4 years. Moreover, PSG are managed by a Culé, former Barca coach Luis Enrique, which does not seem to be a disadvantage, so it is not impossible that the Parisian side will be able to play a semi-final in the BL this year.
That in itself could be a strong `portfolio` for a Ballon d`Or win, but with the European Championships taking place this summer, it could well be a decisive factor in the awarding of the trophy.
The French national team is of course
the biggest favourite for the continental championship, which is no surprise. This current squad has reached two World Cup finals in a row and is probably the strongest team in the world.
In other words, a good showing for France - either a win or a final - could almost guarantee Mbappe the Ballon d`Or.
Jude Beellingham (Real Madrid, England):
The English titan is currently the biggest favourite with the bookmakers for the Golden Globe. His lead dates back to the beginning of the season, when he was scoring goals almost match after match for Real.
Bellingham will be Spanish champion and as a midfielder, has a strong chance of winning the La Liga top scorer title, but the latter is far from certain. Real are also still in the Champions League, although they face the toughest possible opponents in the quarter-finals, with defending champions Man City coming in the way of the Royals.
If the bookies` odds are to be believed, Real will not win the Champions League.
However, the same is true for Belligham as it is for Mbappe: a successful European Championship could be worth a golden globe. The English national team are heavy favourites, having played in the final four years ago and only losing on penalties. Their squad has not been weakened, so their chances are real this time too.
And the other challengers
Bellingham`s odds are the lowest at the moment, so he is the top favourite. Of the other challengers, we think Erling Haaland will not stand a chance this year as the Norwegian team will not be at the European Championships, and in a year like this, the continental championship is a key moment in the voting.
Harry Kane`s role could be interesting, as he could win a European Championship gold as well as the German top scorer`s title, and if he is one of the tournament`s main protagonists, he could even finish in the sneaky play-offs.
The absolute record holder for the number of Golden Balls is of course Lionel Messi, who has won the most prestigious individual award 8 times. But the Argentine world champion is now just a club player in the United States, where he is trying to make Inter Miami as successful a team as possible. Messi is arguably the greatest footballer of all time, but this time he has no realistic chance of winning another Ballon d`Or.
Conclusion
As far as we know, the 2024 Ballon d`Or could be decided between Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. Both players are coming off fantastic seasons, but the European Championship in the summer will be the deciding factor in determining the winner. That being said, we think Kylian Mbappé`s odds are currently the highest, so if we were to place a bet now on who will win the 2024 Ballon d`Or, we`d probably go with the French striker.
How do you see the odds?