Now that the dust has settled on the 2023-24 European season, Copa America and European Championship, we can start taking a look at the favourites for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
In 2023, Lionel Messi won the prestigious accolade for a record-extending eighth time and he is in the running once again.
NetBet is here for all your football betting needs. Read on as we run through the 10 favourites for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid and Brazil) – 2.25
*Odds are subject to change
Despite Brazil’s premature exit at the Copa America, losing in the quarter-finals to Uruguay, Vinicius is still the favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius is arguably the best winger on the planet these days and played a key role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph, scoring in the 2-0 final victory over Borussia Dortmund.
He finished the 2023-24 season with 24 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, very impressive numbers indeed.
Kaka’s victory in 2007 was the last time a Brazilian player won the Ballon d’Or.
Rodri (Manchester City and Spain) – 2.50
The best midfielder in the world and the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament is rightly one of the big favourites to win the Ballon d’Or.
Rodri has been exceptional for many years now, rarely performing below 8/10 for club or country.
As well as being a defensive beast who can also control the tempo of matches with ease, the Spaniard seems to always score big goals.
The last time the Ballon d’Or went to a pragmatic genius was Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 and it would be quite refreshing to see Rodri join the Italian on such an illustrious list.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid and England) – 7.00
Another Real Madrid star in the Ballon d’Or frame, Bellingham’s debut season in the Spanish capital was quite spectacular.
The English midfield maestro finished with 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, bagging a last-minute winner both home and away against fierce El Clasico rivals Barcelona.
Bellingham excelled on international duty as well, scoring two crucial goals as England reached the final of Euro 2024.
But the Three Lions’ failure to beat Spain in the Berlin finale has significantly impacted Bellingham’s odds and the chances of him winning a first Ballon d’Or now look rather slim.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona and Spain) – 19.00
A new and deserved contender for the Ballon d’Or, Yamal’s rise over the past few months has been nothing short of astonishing.
After a breakthrough season at Barcelona, the 17-year-old sensation took Euro 2024 by storm with a string of age-defying performances, eventually being named the Young Player of the Tournament.
Yamal registered four assists out in Germany – including one in the final victory over England – and also scored a stunner against France in the semi-finals as Spain deservedly claimed Europe’s biggest footballing prize.
While he may not claim the Ballon d’Or this year, Yamal is certainly a future winner in the making.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami and Argentina) – 19.00
It would almost feel weird to see a Ballon d’Or list without Messi’s name on it.
However, it would be a travesty if the Argentine legend scooped the accolade this year.
Yes, he captained Argentina to another Copa America victory but he was far from his best at the tournament. Lautaro Martinez was instead the key figure in attack, finishing as top scorer with five goals – including the extra-time winner in the final against Colombia.
At the age of 37, Messi is finally showing signs of decline and this might be the last time we see him feature in the running for the Ballon d’Or.
When you choose NetBet Sport, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality sports and markets. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, player wellbeing is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information.