Sports

2024 Ballon d’Or: All You Need To Know

Published

9 months 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

Pogba Signs For Monaco, Hoping To Revive Career

Published

6 hours ago

June 28, 2025

Editor

Paul Pogba has signed a two-year deal with Ligue 1 side Monaco to return to football after a near two-year absence, the club announced on Saturday.

The 2018 World Cup winner has made only 12 appearances across the last three seasons due to injuries, an 18-month doping ban and an extortion case in which he was the victim.

Pogba failed a drugs test in August 2023 after a match for Juventus and has been free to return to football since March, although his contract at the Italian giants had been terminated last year.

The midfielder will now play club football in Ligue 1 for the first time in his professional career.

“I am determined to get back on the pitch, mentally ready, physically ready, it’s just a matter of time,” the 32-year-old told French television last weekend.

Pogba played in the Le Havre youth team before signing for Manchester United in 2009.

He made only a handful of first-team appearances for the three-time European champions before signing for Juventus in 2012.

Pogba won four consecutive Serie A titles in Turin before rejoining United for a then-world record 105 million euros ($123 million).

He moved back to Juventus three years ago but struggled with a series of injuries.

In 2024, his brother Mathias was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, for his role in a plot to extort 13 million euros from Pogba in 2022.

Pogba has scored 11 goals in 91 appearances for the France national team, playing a starring role and scoring in their World Cup final victory over Croatia seven years ago.

His new club Monaco will play in the Champions League next season after finishing third in Ligue 1 last term.

Sports

Chelsea Set To Offload Jackson, Madueke, 8 Others [See list]

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

Chelsea are reportedly planning a major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as 10 players facing the exit door, according to The Athletic.

Among those who could be sold are Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku, as the club aims to raise funds for new signings and streamline their squad ahead of the new season.

Also on the list of potential departures are Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, and newly signed Renato Veiga.

Many of these Chelsea players spent last season out on loan and may now be moved on permanently.

The club’s transfer strategy is geared towards meeting key summer objectives, with player sales expected to provide the financial muscle needed to reinforce specific areas of the squad.

Chelsea have already made moves in the transfer market, including the €35.5 million acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

His arrival could push Jackson further down the pecking order, with the striker now being considered for a potential sale.

One of the top targets for the Blues is Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who is seen as a potential replacement for Madueke on the wing.

While Chelsea are keen to trim their squad and raise funds, the departures of Jackson, Madueke, and Nkunku will largely depend on the calibre of offers they receive from interested clubs.

As the Blues prepare for a demanding new season, the coming weeks could see a flurry of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge.

Sports

Brighton Sign Super Falcons Goalkeeper Nnadozie From Paris FC

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Nigerian international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on a free transfer from Paris FC.

The 24-year-old will officially join the club on 1 July, following the expiration of her contract with the French side.

Nnadozie brings a wealth of experience to the Seagulls, having earned 55 caps for Nigeria since making her senior debut in 2018.

She also boasts significant European pedigree, having featured in 16 UEFA Women’s Champions League matches for Paris FC between 2022 and 2025.

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic praised the new arrival, saying: “She’s a talented and commanding goalkeeper who will bring consistency and confidence to our defensive line.”

He added: “We’re confident she’ll add both depth and drive to a squad already full of ambition as we continue to build for next season.”