In the wake of Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or win following his World Cup triumph, the spotlight now shifts to the 2024 race, amid the fervor of international competitions like the European Championship and Copa America.
According to report from Goal.com, the battle between Messi's international success and Erling Haaland's club dominance sets the stage for an intriguing contest, further fueled by the growing presence of top players in non-European leagues.
As the journey unfolds, GOAL pledges to accompany fans through every twist and turn, offering updates on the Ballon d'Or 2024 Power Rankings. In the latest update, notable shifts include the departure of Joshua Kimmich from contention.
Lautaro Martinez's struggles in crucial moments, exemplified by his penalty miss in Inter's Champions League exit, could hinder his Ballon d'Or aspirations despite his Serie A exploits and potential Copa America victory with Argentina.
Jeremie Frimpong's stellar season with Bayer Leverkusen, capped by a historic Bundesliga win, elevates his candidacy, especially if he secures further silverware and shines for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Mohamed Salah's early-season brilliance for Liverpool was overshadowed by injury setbacks, potentially impacting his chances, especially as he missed out on international success with Egypt.
Bernardo Silva's mixed season at Manchester City, marred by a crucial penalty miss in the Champions League, leaves his Ballon d'Or hopes hanging on a strong showing at Euro 2024 with Portugal.
Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami introduces a new narrative, as he aims to clinch the award while playing exclusively in MLS, despite Miami's early CONCACAF Champions Cup exit.
The rankings also feature Antoine Griezmann's consistent performance, Kevin De Bruyne's resurgence after injury, and the rise of talents like Declan Rice, Antonio Rudiger, and Rodrygo, each with their own stories shaping the Ballon d'Or landscape.
The top contenders include seasoned stars like Toni Kroos and Erling Haaland, alongside emerging talents like Florian Wirtz, Phil Foden, and Vinicius Jr., who have showcased exceptional form and potential for further glory in the upcoming Euro 2024.
Harry Kane's prolific scoring for Bayern Munich keeps him in contention, while Kylian Mbappe's imminent move to Real Madrid sets the stage for a potential Ballon d'Or swansong with PSG and Euro 2024 success with France.
At the pinnacle stands Jude Bellingham, whose remarkable debut season at Real Madrid and impactful performances position him as the frontrunner, especially with England eyeing Euro 2024 triumph under his leadership.
As the race intensifies, the Ballon d'Or narrative unfolds, with each player's journey shaping the destiny of football's most prestigious individual accolade.
1. "Race for Ballon d'Or 2024 Heats Up: Messi's MLS Gamble and Haaland's European Dominance in Focus"
2. "From Martinez's Struggles to Bellingham's Brilliance: Tracking Contenders in Ballon d'Or 2024 Race"
3. "International Showdown: How Euro 2024 and Copa America Could Shape Ballon d'Or 2024 Winner"
4. "Emerging Talents and Seasoned Stars: Power Rankings Update in Ballon d'Or 2024 Race"
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