Sports

2024 Ballon d’Or: All You Need To Know

Published

1 year ago

October 8, 2024

The 2024 Ballon d’Or is fast approaching, with football’s brightest talents competing for the sport’s most prestigious individual accolade.

This year’s competition is particularly open, as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have dominated the award for over a decade, are absent from the shortlist.

Messi, a record eight-time winner, and Ronaldo, with five wins, have not made the cut, setting the stage for a new name to claim the prize.

The PUNCH highlights all you need to know about this year’s ceremony.

When and Where Is the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony?

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday, 28th October, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The ceremony will mark the 68th edition of the award, with France Football continuing to manage the voting system alongside UEFA’s co-organisation this year.

Football fans can tune in to the live broadcast of the ceremony, which will begin at 19:00 GMT, and catch all the action as the winner is revealed.

The Favourites for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

This year’s Ballon d’Or race promises fierce competition. Vinicius Junior has emerged as the current frontrunner. The Brazilian forward was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success last season, including their Champions League victory. With his impressive performances, he has positioned himself as a strong candidate for the men’s award.

Another top contender is Rodri, who played a key role in Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and was named Player of the Tournament in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory. He joins the shortlist alongside his Real Madrid counterpart, Jude Bellingham, who also made a strong case for the award with consistent displays in midfield.

Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal is considered an outside chance, with the right-back playing a vital role in winning the Champions League, La Liga, and Euro 2024. While his victory might be a surprise, his achievements have earned him a spot among the nominees.

Who Will Win the Ballon d’Or Féminin 2024?

In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí is heavily favoured to secure back-to-back wins for the Ballon d’Or Féminin. The Barcelona midfielder is considered the top candidate, building on her club and international success. Close behind her in the race are Caroline Graham Hansen, Bonmatí’s teammate at Barcelona, and Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon.

Kopa Trophy: Youth Stars in the Spotlight

The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21, will also be presented during the ceremony. Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is widely expected to take home this honour, following his standout performances that helped Spain secure victory in the European Championship.

Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, both of Manchester United, are also among the 10-player shortlist for the youth award, but it would be a major upset if Yamal were not to win.

Yashin Trophy: Best Goalkeeper Award

The 2024 Yashin Trophy will recognise the world’s top goalkeeper, with Emiliano Martínez among the favourites. The Aston Villa shot-stopper is in the running for successive wins, having helped his club achieve Champions League qualification and contributed to Argentina’s Copa América triumph this summer.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, another former winner, is also on the shortlist, though there is no place for Alisson or Thibaut Courtois this time around.

How to Watch the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Fans eager to watch the drama unfold can catch the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony live on L’Équipe’s YouTube channel, which will stream the event for free.

Sports

JUST IN: Full Draw For 2026 World Cup Group Stages Confirmed

Published

11 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Editor

The draw for the group stage of the 2026 World Cup has been conducted.

It took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., with US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in charge.

There will be 48 teams at next year’s tournament, to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

All the participating countries were grouped into 12 groups of four.

Here is the full draw:

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner Play-off D
Group B: Canada, Winner Play-off A, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Winner Play-off C
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner Play-off B, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Winner Play-off 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Winner Play-off 1, Colombia, Uzbekistan
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

Sports

EPL: Mikel Obi Reveals Why Chelsea Failed To Beat Arsenal in 1-1 Draw

Published

4 days ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Former Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has claimed Chelsea failed to defeat Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, because of an early red card to Moises Caicedo.

The two London rivals played out a pulsating 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo was sent off in the 38th minute following a VAR check.

But it was Chelsea who took the lead after the break, thanks to Trevor Chalobah’s header.

But the Gunners equalized through Mikel Merino.

So far this season, Chelsea have received seven red cards in 20 games across all competitions this season.

“That’s four red cards this season; it’s not good enough. I’ve spoken about it; the manager needs to talk with the players, because it’s costing us games as well,” Mikel Obi said on his podcast.

“If you look at that game, if we finished with eleven men, I think we could’ve won. Maybe not easily, but comfortably, we could’ve secured a win.”

Sports

EPL: Slot Reveals When Salah Will Leave For AFCON

Published

4 days ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, has revealed that Mohamed Salah was “not happy” to be dropped for their 2-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

Salah was named on the bench at the London Stadium for the Premier League fixture.

Slot took the bold decision, as he looked to arrest a poor run of form, that saw the Reds lose nine of 12 matches.

Salah was not summoned from the bench for the entire 90 minutes, as goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sealed victory.

“It was a normal reaction for a player who is good enough to play for us,” Slot said.

“I say that mildly as he’s been so outstanding for this club and will be in the future. He wasn’t happy he wasn’t starting but he wasn’t the only one.”

Salah could yet return to the starting line-up as Liverpool host Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The 33-year-old will remain available for the next four matches, before he leaves to join Egypt’s squad for the African Cup of Nations.

“It’s 15 December,” Slot confirmed.

“But always in these situations there is the player and the national team involved and there are always talks about what is best for all three of us.”